Imagining an empty space that once occupied a secure tooth is distressing. You must be wondering if there are alternatives to tooth extraction you can get. Reliable dentists don’t want to remove your tooth; it’s a last resort when no other options exist. So, don’t worry. Read more to understand how your tooth is still salvageable.
How Can Dentists Save Your Tooth?
There are alternatives to tooth extraction a dentist might go for before considering one. The treatment depends on what is causing the need for your tooth to be extracted. If your afflicted tooth is savable, there are treatment options a dentist might undertake:
- Root Canal Therapy
Infected teeth that are becoming damaged may have to undergo a root canal procedure. This procedure involves removing the infected pulp inside the tooth. After root canal therapy, your tooth might be prepped for a dental crown. A dental crown can restore the tooth to its prior appearance and make it functional again. - Fillings
If your tooth isn’t too damaged, fillings are used to restore its structure. The decayed portion of the tooth is removed and filled with a strong material that can substitute for enamel. - Dental Crowns
As mentioned, a crown can remedy an extremely damaged tooth with little remaining structure. A dental crown can protect the remaining tooth structure and maintain the tooth’s function. - Gum Disease Treatment
Gum disease can damage the gums, eventually leading to tooth loss. Treatments that deeply clean the gums, like scaling and root planing, can improve gum health and strengthen loose teeth. - Orthodontic Treatment
Overcrowding and misaligned teeth can increase the likelihood of teeth having to be removed in the future. An orthodontist can remedy this by using braces or aligners to reposition teeth without extraction, which can help teeth support each other effectively. - Antibiotic Use:
Usually, teeth affected with bacterial infections require removal when it is too severe. So, a dentist might use antibiotic therapy to control bacterial infections.
Why Do Dentists Perform Tooth Extractions?
Dentists recommend tooth extractions if keeping a tooth can cause more harm than good. An infected tooth risks spreading infection to surrounding tissue and teeth. It could also enter the bloodstream, which could be life-threatening.
Additionally, keeping a severely decayed tooth isn’t ideal as it can lead to further infections, even infecting the jawbone or brain. The tooth won’t be useful in the future and will eventually break off.
Summarizing
Some people might find tooth extraction unnerving; however, with recent advancements in anesthetic technology and doctors’ expertise, it has become relatively painless. However, alternatives to tooth extraction can still be considered for their effectiveness.
If you have more questions, contact our dental care expert at Smile Designs Dentistry Of Manteca to learn how we can preserve your tooth. You can trust Dr. Sanjay Kumar Vanjarapu, DDS, extensively trained by the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), for all your dental needs.
Contact us at any of the following locations:
Manteca Contact Number: (209) 780-4777
Pleasanton Contact Number: (925) 234-4421