EXTRACT OR SAVE? WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN YOU HAVE A DAMAGED TOOTH

If a tooth becomes severely damaged or decayed, extracting the tooth may seem like the sensible option, particularly when it hurts. However, tooth extraction is not always the right thing to do. In many cases, a damaged or decayed tooth can be fixed. There are many benefits to repairing a tooth when possible.

The decision to save a tooth or extract it is yours to make, but it is important that you know about your options. Here are some things you need to know.

What Is the Benefit of Saving a Tooth?

There are several reasons you might want to consider saving a tooth when possible. One reason is the fact natural teeth are stronger and are more functional. Although there is ample technology to create synthetic teeth, they do not always work as well as a natural tooth.

Another benefit is to prevent movement of the surrounding teeth. When a tooth is extracted, the gap creates space for the other teeth to shift and move into. This movement can change your tooth alignment and cause teeth to become crooked and out of place.

You may also experience less pain if you repair a natural tooth. When a tooth is extracted, there is a chance of getting a dry socket. A dry socket happens when the blood clot that forms in the empty space becomes dislodged. If you opt for a root canal to repair the tooth, any pain you may have can be immediately dealt with. You also will not have a dry socket when repairing the tooth.

When you extract a tooth, you may have to go back to the dentist's office to have an implant or a bridge placed to fill in the empty space, especially if the extracted tooth is near the front of your mouth.

This means more time spent working on the tooth, more possible pain, and more money spent on dental visits. Although extracting a tooth may seem like the less expensive option, it could cost you more in the long run.

How Do You Save a Tooth?

It can be a challenge in some cases to save a tooth from extraction. If you have severe decay or a significant infection, you may think removing the bad tooth will solve your problems. However, a root canal is an option to consider if you want to try to save the tooth.

A root canal removes all the infected and decayed areas inside the tooth. After the tooth is clean, the dentist will fill the tooth with a substance to help strengthen the tooth. If the exterior portion of the tooth is broken, your dentist will place a crown over your natural tooth. A root canal is easy to recover from and will result in a better outcome than extracting the tooth.

When Should You Have a Tooth Extracted?

Ideally, the best option is to save a tooth, but there are some times when doing so is just not possible. Cracked teeth, particularly those broken below the gumline, are not easy to repair. In some cases, a tooth is too weak to save without the exterior breaking.

If you have a problem tooth that needs attention, be sure to discuss all your options with your dentist. Ask if a root canal is possible to save a tooth. If you must have it extracted, be sure you know about replacement options and all that goes with replacement procedures.

If you have any questions about a tooth, please contact Bradley Piotrowski, DDS, MSD, LLC. We are happy to work with you to make your smile healthy and bright.