A General Dentist Helps You Decide Whether To Pull or Save a Tooth

A General Dentist Helps You Decide Whether To Pull or Save a Tooth from Gables Exceptional Dentistry in Coral Gables, FLPersistent oral pain or extensive decay may send a patient to a general dentist, who must then advise whether the patient should try to save the tooth or have it pulled. To save the tooth, a root canal procedure may be necessary. This involves removing the infected pulp of the tooth and replacing it with gutta-percha, a biocompatible rubber-like material. Extracting the tooth is usually the last resort, but sometimes it cannot be avoided.

When it might be necessary to pull a tooth

For saving the tooth to be practical, its structure must be strong enough to support the root canal. Sometimes the decay is so severe that the remaining tooth structure is too weak. If this is the case, extraction is inevitable.

It may also become necessary to pull a tooth that is severely damaged due to trauma. A blow to the mouth can crack a tooth in several different places, which can be difficult to restore. It sometimes also becomes necessary to extract a tooth when the cracks extend beneath the gum line. A general dentist may need to take X-rays to identify these cracks, as they may not be visible in the tooth's surface.

Why it is often preferable to save a tooth

Despite the significant advances in restoration methods for missing teeth, no treatment has all the advantages of a patient's natural teeth. Saving a tooth offers a patient specific advantages.

Less pain

Pulling a tooth or saving one with a root canal both are measures to prevent the patient from feeling pain or discomfort. Nevertheless, many patients report more pain with an extraction, whether during the procedure itself or its recovery, than with a root canal.

Better appearance

The loss of a tooth has an effect on the rest of the mouth, especially the jaw. The bone of the jaw starts to atrophy when the tooth is no longer there to strengthen it. The process of bone loss starts immediately upon the loss of the tooth but takes a while to become noticeable. Over time, it can actually change the shape of the jaw.

Fewer complications

While extraction might seem like the simpler option, it puts a patient at risk for painful complications, such as dry socket and infection. There is no chance of a dry socket with a root canal because there is no socket and no scab. Saving the tooth also means fewer follow-up appointments to check for infection and discuss replacement options.

Better function

Artificial dental restoration options are still not as strong as natural teeth. When some teeth are missing, it can affect the bite alignment because the others shift to close the gap. Natural teeth are also easier to keep clean.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp:
General Dentist in Coral Gables, FL

Conclusion

Natural teeth offer the patient advantages that even the most sophisticated restoration methods cannot fully replicate. A general dentist generally prefers to save a damaged tooth, but it is not always possible. Sometimes the damage is beyond repair and extraction becomes the only option.

Request an appointment or call Gables Exceptional Dentistry at 305-203-4132 for an appointment in our Coral Gables office.

Recent Posts

What A General Dentist Wants You To Know About Using Fluoride

Fluoride is a preventative measure that your general dentist uses to help protect your teeth between visits. It is also an ingredient in toothpaste that can give added protection. One of the most hotly debated topics surrounding toothpaste and tooth brushing is whether or not you should be using toothpaste that contains fluoride. Using toothpaste with…

What A General Dentist Exam Involves

Good oral care is critical for overall well-being, and adults who routinely visit a general dentist are less likely to have problems with their teeth and health. Visiting a dentist twice per year can help detect and remediate the following conditions: CavitiesGum diseaseOral cancerTooth misalignmentSystemic diseaseMany people put off visiting a dentist due to fear…

Ask A General Dentist: Is A Tooth Dead After A Root Canal

There is no need to fear if your general dentist has recommended root canal treatment. This dental procedure is performed on millions of patients every year and is similar to a routine filling. It is a beneficial procedure that saves a tooth that has become infected or damaged. Many patients wonder if the tooth is…

Recent Posts

How To Care For Your New Dental Crowns

How To Care For Your New Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are a valuable investment in your oral health and smile's appearance. Whether you have received crowns to restore damaged teeth or for cosmetic reasons, it is important to properly care for them to ensure they last a long time. Here are some essential tips to help maintain the longevity and aesthetics of your…

Can A Dentist Save A Cracked Tooth?

Can A Dentist Save A Cracked Tooth?

Wondering whether a cracked tooth can be saved by a dentist? Read on to find out. If a cracked tooth is damaged beyond what can be repaired, then a dentist may recommend having the tooth extracted and replaced with a fixed dental bridge, partial denture, or implant-supported dental crown.The methods used to treat a cracked…