Our natural teeth are meant to last a lifetime, especially with proper care. Through consistent use, accidental trauma, human error in oral care, or bad genetics, teeth may begin to decay. Teeth that become infected, cracked, or damaged will need the services of a qualified dentist. Patients may assume that their tooth is bound for extraction, but other dental services can be completed to save a tooth from extraction. Each tooth is unique, and in some situations, it may be safer to remove the tooth from the mouth. This blog will share a few of the situations where a tooth can be saved and when extraction is the safer option.

When Saving A Tooth Is The Better Option

It is not always necessary to complete an extraction, which is why meeting with a dentist as soon as possible could save the life of your tooth. Dentists will be able to determine if any pulp and nerves are still alive inside the tooth. Here are some reasons that a dentist or oral surgeon may choose to save the natural tooth, rather than remove it. 

Bone Muscle Could Be Lost

Our teeth are an interconnected system that supports one another. When a tooth is removed, the root and visible part of the tooth are completely removed, leaving a major gap in your smile. The tooth root works with your jawbone to keep the entire structure from deteriorating. If a tooth is removed and the gap is left unfilled, you could experience 50% of the jawbone in the first 6 months. This could cause a misaligned bite and a changed facial shape. If the root or part of the tooth is still intact, a dentist will choose to save this tooth and protect the jaw structure.

A Missing Tooth Could Lead To Other Lost Teeth

Bacteria in the mouth could contribute to dead or decayed teeth, which means that once one tooth is affected, other teeth will follow suit. If one tooth is removed and an implant or bridge is not put in place, the adjacent teeth may also begin to decay or shift. The teeth that remain in your mouth will do their best to fill in this gap, which can cause further problems for your oral health.

A Root Canal Can Be Completed

A root canal is a common dental service that is used to save the structure and root of a natural tooth. Even a tooth with deep decay may be able to remain in your mouth when a proper root canal is done. During a root canal, the infected pulp is removed to prevent further infection and damage. This helps preserve the enamel and the root of a tooth, which will save you from shifting and jaw damage.

When Extraction Is The Better Option

While saving the tooth is often the preferred option for patients and dentists, there are situations where an extraction is crucial. Deep decay or impacted teeth will need to be removed to prevent major jaw deterioration. 

Severe Decay Has Occurred

Going to your dentist frequently can help catch tooth decay before it progresses too far into the root, but if decay has not been handled in a timely manner, the root of the tooth may be too far gone to save. If the structure of a tooth is not strong enough to handle a filling or crown, the tooth will need to be extracted.

Patients Are Experiencing Frequent Infections

If one tooth is experiencing repeated infections, this is a common reason to have a tooth extraction. Especially if one tooth has had other dental procedures like fillings, crowns, or a root canal, extraction may be the only way to keep your other teeth healthy and keep you out of the dental chair. A frequently infected tooth can be replaced with an implant or bridge to help a patient experience less pain, while preventing the deterioration of adjacent teeth.

Teeth Are Overcrowded

For large teeth like molars and wisdom teeth, extraction may be needed to prevent overcrowding. Pain and inflammation are common when your mouth is overcrowded, so even if there is no infection or impacted teeth, removing them can help make your daily life more comfortable. Removing the teeth that are overcrowding your mouth can make eating and talking much easier and limit future infections or cavities.

Save A Tooth With Services From Jenson Dental

Our Brigham City, UT, dental practice offers many services to help you love your smile, limit pain, and avoid further dental problems. Jenson Dental offers cosmetic dentistry, family dentistry, general services, veneers, dentures, and more. We are the top-rated dentist in Brigham City because our team takes pride in the job and loves working with all patients. Choose to have the best smile possible when working with Jenson Dental.