Don’t wait too long to extract a damaged tooth

tooth extraction

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…

Does my tooth need to be extracted?

tooth extraction

Patients typically want to avoid having a tooth removed when possible. Dentists, too, will often recommend taking steps to save the biological tooth if that outcome can be achieved. In certain cases, however, a tooth extraction is the best course of treatment and sometimes unavoidable.  For example, a patient with a severely decayed or damaged tooth may need to have the tooth removed. Although a dentist may initially attempt to restore or preserve a patient’s natural tooth, instances of advanced decay or a significant injury or trauma can render the tooth unsalvageable. In removing a significantly decayed tooth, the oral surgeon may be acting to save the surrounding teeth from a similar fate. Similarly, if a patient chooses to get a dental implant rather than a restoration such as a crown, the tooth would need to be removed before the dental implant could be placed. Tooth extraction may also be…