When you’re in a situation where you have a tooth that’s causing you pain and discomfort, it can be difficult to decide whether to pull it or get it fixed. While it may seem like the easiest option to just pull it, there are a few things you should consider before making that decision. Sometimes, it may be possible to save the tooth with root canal therapy or other treatments.
Benefits of Saving Your Natural Tooth
Your dentist will try to save your natural tooth whenever possible. While today’s technology has made it possible to replace missing teeth with artificial ones, nothing can replace the strength, durability, and biocompatability of your natural teeth. Not to mention artificial teeth can be expensive and may require surgery and regular maintenance.
Your natural teeth also provide better function and aesthetics and help maintain the structure of your jawbone. When a tooth is pulled, the surrounding teeth can shift and cause misalignment if a suitable replacement option isn’t placed soon enough. This can lead to further problems, such as difficulty chewing or speaking, jaw pain, and headaches. Additionally, pulling a tooth can cause the jawbone to deteriorate, leading to a sunken-in appearance in the area where the tooth was.
So before you decide to pull a tooth, talk to your dentist about the possibility of saving it. They can provide you with more information and help you make an informed decision.
When to Save Your Tooth
When it comes to saving your tooth, there are a few factors that should be taken into consideration. If you have a severely damaged tooth, it may not be possible to save it. In this case, tooth extraction may be the only option. However, if the damage is minor and can be treated with root canal therapy or other treatments, saving the tooth may be worth exploring.
A root canal procedure is often the best way to save a tooth when decay is present in the root of the tooth. During this procedure, your oral surgeon will remove the infected pulp from inside the tooth and replace it with a filling material. This can help restore the strength of the tooth and prevent further damage.
Sometimes, your dentist may also recommend a crown or other restoration to protect the tooth from further damage. Crowns are made of porcelain or metal and are designed to fit over the top of the tooth, providing extra protection.
When to Pull Your Tooth
While saving your natural tooth is usually the best option, there are some cases where extraction may be necessary. These may include the following:
- Severe Tooth Decay: Tooth decay is caused by bacteria that eats away at the enamel of your teeth, causing them to become weak and brittle. Tooth decay is usually treated with a filling or root canal, but if the decay is too severe, extraction may be the only option to prevent further damage to your dental health. Tooth decay is caused by bacteria that eats away at the enamel of your teeth, causing them to become weak and brittle. Tooth decay is usually treated with a filling or root canal, but if the decay is too severe, extraction may be the only option to prevent further damage to your dental health.
- Periodontal Disease: Periodontal disease (gum disease) is an infection of the gums and surrounding tissues that can cause tooth loss. If the infection has spread to the bone, it can cause loose teeth and eventually fall out. In this case, extraction may be necessary to protect the other teeth.
- Impacted Tooth: An impacted tooth is one that is stuck in the jawbone and cannot erupt properly. This can cause tooth pain, infection, and damage to the surrounding teeth. This case is most common with wisdom teeth, and extraction is usually the only option.
- Infection: While a root canal can usually save a tooth from infection, extraction may be necessary if it has spread to the bone or surrounding tissues.
- Overcrowding: In some cases, there may not be enough room in the mouth for all of the teeth. When there is insufficient space for your teeth to fit properly, it can cause them to become crooked or overcrowded. In this case, extraction may be required to make room for the other teeth.
- Trauma: If a tooth has been severely damaged due to trauma, such as a sports injury or car accident, and the damage has reached the root, pulling the teeth may be the best option.
No matter your situation, it’s important to talk to your dentist before making any decisions about pulling or fixing a tooth. They can provide you with more information and help you make an informed decision that is best for your oral health.
I Have Severely Decayed or Infected Teeth. Should I Get a Root Canal or Pull the Tooth?
It depends on the severity of the decay or infection. If the decay or infection is severe, then extraction may be the only option. However, if it is not too severe, then a root canal may be able to save your tooth. Your dentist will be able to assess your situation and provide you with more information on which option is best for you.
My Tooth is Cracked or Broken. Should I Get a Crown or Pull the Tooth?
If the crack or break is only minor, then a crown may be able to protect the tooth. However, if you have a severely broken tooth, to the point where the damage has extended below the gum line, extraction may be the only option.
Request an Appointment Today!
When it comes to deciding whether to pull a tooth or get it fixed, there are a few things you should consider. While pulling a tooth may seem like the easiest option, it can lead to further problems such as misalignment and jawbone deterioration. On the other hand, saving the tooth with a root canal or other treatments can help restore its strength and protect it from further damage. Schedule a consultation with our dentist today to discuss your options and determine the best course of action for your tooth.