Sometimes it seems like extracting a tooth is the simplest and least costly option when a tooth is damaged or decayed. Your prosthodontist can help you to determine which options are available and will provide the best long-term solutions. The first step is to schedule your dental appointment for a thorough examination with x-rays. You and your doctor can make a decision based on the doctor’s professional judgement and your personal preferences when considering having a tooth extracted.
Considerations:
- Is deep decay present?
- Does the tooth hurt?
- Is there a deep filling?
- Is the tooth cracked or broken?
- Does the crack extend below the gum line?
- Is the tooth loose?
It is important to have a decaying tooth treated because decay can spread to the tooth’s pulp. If the tooth becomes infected, the infection can spread to the surrounding teeth.
Root Canal Treatment
If a tooth is cracked, broken or badly infected, has a deep cavity or trauma, either a root canal or extraction may be recommended. The tooth will then need to be restored with a filling, crown, removable prosthesis or dental implant supported restoration.
Root canal treatment, usually performed by an endodontist, repairs a damaged or infected tooth by removing the damaged area of the tooth’s pulp, disinfecting it and then filling and sealing it. The term “root canal” comes from cleaning of the canals inside the tooth’s root.
Repair Sometimes Not Possible
Sometimes repair of a natural tooth is not possible or practical. A large cavity that weakens the root’s structure may not be repairable. When a tooth fracture extends below the gumline, removal of the tooth may be necessary.
If a tooth is removed, it is important consider replacing it. When a tooth is not replaced, the adjoining teeth will begin to shift toward the empty space. The opposing teeth can also shift and move upward to fill the missing space. All of this tooth movement can cause problems with your bite, make chewing difficult and change your facial appearance.
Dental Implants
Dental implants have proven to be the best option for permanent tooth replacement. Implant treatment is a functional, natural looking, long-lasting, reliable and comfortable option for replacement of missing teeth. All-On-4® is an economical non-removable dental implant treatment option. The number and type of implants that are needed to restore the teeth depends on the quantity and quality of bone in the area where the implants will be placed. If there is enough bone, the All-On-4 Protocol may be considered.
In the upper jaw, if there is considerable bone loss, computer guided treatment using zygomatic implants may be required.
Regular dental checkups will help you maintain a healthy mouth, alert you and your dentist to any issues that require treatment and correct them in a timely manner.
Call Pi Dental Center to schedule your dental examination, extraction or replacement of a missing tooth.
Related Article: Can this tooth be saved?
Great Information! I recently switched over to Insurance Line One, super affordable premium. I normally do not go in for dental checkups so I have been having problems lately. I’m glad I have insurance now but I have had a few teeth that are in a lot of pain so thank you for the information!
Hi Jessica: We would be happy to discuss your dental condition and possible solutions, if you would like to give us a call. Or, if you prefer, you could chat with us on our web site, the chat box is on the lower right side of the screen.
Very informative post. I was also thinking of doing it but I was extremely afraid to do it. After reading this I got some courage to do that.
Thank you for your comment. Good luck with your dental treatment.
Well! The most significant benefit to dental implant restoration, when compared to other treatments, is that the implant looks, feels, and functions just like a natural tooth.