In dentistry, saving teeth is a top priority. The commitment to saving natural teeth is demonstrated by a strong emphasis on the prevention of dental disease. When the teeth have been compromised by tooth decay, trauma, or periodontal disease, the second line of defense is restorative dentistry. By restoring and strengthening as much of the natural tooth structure as possible, you can continue to enjoy the benefits of a full, healthy smile.
Unfortunately, there are times when a tooth has been so badly damaged that it can no longer be restored. In fact, a severely damaged tooth can become a liability to your health and to your remaining teeth, forcing you to consider tooth extraction as the only feasible treatment option.
If your damaged tooth is causing pain or discomfort, tooth extraction is typically an easy decision. When pain is not a factor, when the damaged tooth is towards the back of the mouth, or when the tooth does not interfere with eating or speaking, the situation becomes easy to ignore.
Unfortunately, there are times when a tooth has been so badly damaged that it can no longer be restored.
What you may not realize is that waiting too long to extract a damaged tooth can actually create a number of unnecessary complications.
The short-term consequences of living with a damaged tooth can include the presence of a chronic infection, localized periodontal disease, bad breath, food impaction, and ineffective chewing.
The long-term consequences of a damaged tooth can become quite significant. A weakened, fractured, or decayed tooth can continue to break down over time which decreases the stability of the neighboring teeth. A chronic infection or abscess can lead to bone loss, compromising your chances for a future dental implant. Ineffective chewing causes stress and strain on the jaw joint, a primary contributor to TMJ disorders.
Consulting an experienced oral surgeon as soon as your tooth has been diagnosed as unrestorable is a smart way to protect your health and broaden your options for a proper tooth replacement in the future. Find out more by scheduling your consultation today with our skilled and dedicated team of oral surgeons serving Dallas Texas.
