Pull A Tooth or Save It?

When patients are in pain, we often hear them request an extraction. But it is a big decision. After all, we are not sharks and can regrow teeth. It is any dentist’s goal to save your natural teeth. But as with everything in life, things are not always as easy. So in some cases, a tooth may have to go.

What Are The Benefits Of Saving Your Tooth? 

One reason for doing everything you can to preserve your natural teeth is because natural teeth are stronger. In fact, the almost-solid mineral makeup of your teeth makes them the hardest substance in your body. Your teeth can withstand about 5600 pounds of pressure per square inch. Pretty impressive, right? That’s why dentists are always on your case about brushing, flossing and prevention.

In many cases, they function better than artificial teeth and are easier to keep clean. Your natural teeth also help keep your other teeth in place. When a tooth is pulled and not immediately replaced, it creates a gap, allowing the neighboring teeth to shift. This will eventually lead to bad bite alignment and can cause any number of new problems.

If your dentist recommends a root canal or other treatment, you will feel much better after the procedure and will likely have less pain or issues moving forward.

Investing in a procedure to save your tooth could also save you money. While you may think that pulling a tooth is cheaper than fixing it, dealing with the aftermath may cost you once you decide to replace the missing tooth.

Missing teeth also often affect patients’ confidence, who may try to hide their smiles. If you are unhappy with your smile because either nature or trauma have been unkind to your teeth, ask us about Smile Makeovers

When Does A Tooth Have To Be Pulled?

However, there are also some very valid reasons why a tooth must go.  Your dentist may tell you that a tooth must be pulled if it is gone too far due to tooth decay. If the condition gets bad enough, an infection can develop, causing pain, swelling, and redness. Once a tooth reaches this point, it may be necessary to remove the tooth altogether and replace it with dentures, bridges, or a dental implant.

Your dentist may recommend a tooth extraction if you are suffering from tooth impaction occurs when the growth of one tooth pushes directly against another. The tooth is susceptible to infection, causing red, swollen, tender, or bleeding gums. These teeth are often wisdom teeth or if you have a very small jaw. Tooth impaction can also cause overcrowding of the teeth, which can cause otherwise straight and well-aligned smiles to become crooked. Removing the crowded teeth in the back of the mouth may allow you to preserve your straight teeth without braces.

Periodontal and gum can also be the culprit. Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums surrounding the teeth, while periodontitis is the inflammation of the bones and tissues surrounding the teeth. If the integrity of the bone or gum around the tooth deteriorates too much, then it may be necessary to remove the tooth.

Unfortunately, teeth sometimes fall victim to accidents. Trauma can wreak havoc on the teeth, which will earn your a trip to the emergency dentist. When an accident causes a tooth to become too damaged to save, a tooth extraction is a necessary procedure. Otherwise, a damaged tooth could become severely infected.

How Does Your Dentist Decide To Extract A Tooth?

Dr. Wheatley will evaluate your situation and will always try to find a solution that is best for you. He approaches major decisions such as the extraction of a tooth conservatively and will likely recommend alternative procedures in an attempt to preserve your teeth. However, should it become necessary to pull your tooth, the team at Tecumseh Ridge Dental has a wide variety of options to replace your teeth. Moreover, nobody should be unhappy about their smile. Please reach out if you want to discuss options to put a great big, toothy smile back on your face.