If you have an infected tooth that is causing you a great deal of pain, pulling it out may seem like a no-brainer. But wait! Pulling an infected tooth is not always the best choice. There are many benefits to maintaining your natural teeth if possible. In the end, it is your personal choice, but it is important to have all the facts before making such an important decision.
To Pull or To Save Your Tooth: The Benefits of Saving It
What are the benefits of saving your real teeth? Endodontists, dental specialists who focus on saving teeth, have some answers to this question.
· Natural Teeth Are Stronger. Your natural teeth will function much better than artificial ones and are much easier to keep clean. It is true that artificial teeth are better now than they have ever been before, but they still can’t match your natural teeth in terms of function.
· Avoid Shifting Teeth. When you have a tooth pulled, the gap it leaves behind makes it possible for your other teeth to shift. It may not happen right away but over time, this shift can cause issues with your bite alignment. This can be the beginning of a domino effect that leads to pain, nutrition issues, and an overall decrease in your quality of life.
· Maintain Your Appearance. Having a tooth pulled also pulls the roots that support your jaw. This causes a gap in the bone that makes many people look much older than they really are.
· Avoid Loss of Confidence. If your pulled tooth leaves a gap in your smile, it will most likely have a negative impact on your self-esteem. Dentists often see patients who refuse to smile because they are embarrassed by their teeth.
· Decreased Pain. Following a tooth extraction, most patients are in pain for days, especially if they suffer from dry socket. When the tooth is preserved with a root canal, the infection is eliminated, there is no risk of dry socket and the pain is relieved much more quickly.
· Fewer Dentist Visits. Once a tooth has been extracted, you may need to follow up with implants, a bridge, a crown or another dental device. This means more visits to the dentist, more expenses and, often, more pain.
· Fewer Expenses. Pulling the tooth may seem like the cheaper option but it often costs more time and money. There are also physical and emotional costs associated with choosing not to replace your tooth.
To Pull or Save Your Tooth: How to Save It
There are many reasons that you should try to preserve your natural teeth for as long as possible. However, infection and tooth decay can make this difficult and you may have to choose between preserving your tooth or pulling it. If you want to save the tooth, you will normally have a root canal, in which the inside of the tooth is cleaned and disinfected to get rid of the infected interior. The tooth is then filled with a substance that strengthens and protects it, allowing it to function like all your other teeth. In addition to saving your tooth, you have a faster recovery and faster relief from the pain.
To Pull or Save Your Tooth: When to Pull It
Saving your tooth is always preferred but there are circumstances in which you have no choice but to extract it. If the tooth is cracked, especially below the gum line or in more than one place, there may be no way to save it. If it is too weak to be fixed, it may be best to pull it out.
If your dentist tells you that you need a tooth extracted, ask whether a root canal may be an option. Having this conversation can help you answer this important question before making any decisions.
If you are having problem with in your teeth and need to see a dentist in Granville OH, Sampson Dental Group is now accepting new patients. For more information about our services or to request an appointment, please click here.