Extraction Alternatives to Investigate (Except When it Comes to Wisdom Teeth Extraction)

No one likes the idea of losing any of their natural teeth, unless you’re talking about wisdom teeth. If you’re worried that your dentist will want to perform a dental extraction of other teeth, you should know that there may be alternatives. It’s always better to save your natural tooth when given the option. Your teeth need each other for structural support. A dental extraction leaves a space that could cause your other teeth to shift. Other complications include dry socket and accidental damage to adjacent teeth. Fortunately, in most cases, you can either save the tooth or delay treatment. Knowing all your options can help put your mind at ease.

Saving Your Tooth
Regardless of how severe your tooth pain may be, there are almost always ways to make it stop without dental extraction. One popular and practical option is endodontic treatment; this is more commonly known as root canal treatment. Other potential ways to save a diseased tooth include surgical bone grafting and root amputation.

Delaying Treatment of a Diseased Tooth
Delaying treatment of a damaged or diseased tooth is risky. Waiting too long could result in disease spreading to other teeth. In rare cases, infection may spread to your jaw or even other parts of your body. You should only delay treatment for a limited amount of time, and you should do so only under the supervision of your dentist.

Having your Tooth Extracted
If your dentist tells you that there is no alternative to dental extraction, don’t despair. A missing tooth or teeth can be replaced by various types of prosthetic devices. These include dental implants, partial dentures, and various types of bridges. Your dentist will explain your options and help you decide how to proceed with tooth restoration.

A Special Case: Wisdom Tooth Extraction
If you have an impacted wisdom tooth, saving it is not an option. Since it’s already in a position to cause infection and damage your other teeth, wisdom tooth extraction is really the only viable solution. Wisdom tooth dentists are generally known as oral surgeons. Wisdom teeth extraction is performed while you are under anesthesia, so you won’t feel any pain. After wisdom teeth extraction, you won’t have an unsightly gap in your smile. The space occupied by the tooth will gradually fill in with healthy bone tissue. Your general dentist may be able to perform an extraction; if your condition is more complicated, he or she will refer you to competent area wisdom tooth dentists for treatment.

To learn about our family dentistry practice in Miami, call Miami Center for Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry today at (305) 306-9250 or make an appointment.