Tooth extraction is always the last option.
Your teeth do wondrous things each and every day, from supporting the health and function of your jawbone to helping you eat some of your favorite foods. But when tooth decay and/or gum disease take over, the health of these precious tools can be compromised, causing your dentist to recommend a tooth extraction.
Luckily, you can avoid needing your tooth pulled by staying vigilant and taking proactive steps before tooth decay or gum disease gets worse. Here are a few options that can help you avoid needing a tooth extraction.
1. Inlays/Onlays
If you have tooth decay, an inlay or onlay could be used to supplement the structure of your tooth during the decay removal process. Similar to fillings, this dental treatment uses porcelain material to help fill in the chewing surface of your tooth that’s been damaged by decay or injury. With a skilled dentist such as Dr. Lang, no one will be able to tell you ever had an issue.
2. Dental Crowns
Here at Dr. Lang’s office, our dental crowns are made with porcelain material to cover broken, cracked, or decayed teeth. This durable material is fully customized in size, shape, and shade to perfectly match your existing teeth and provide lasting great looks and functionality. In just two visits, you’ll receive a custom-milled, natural-looking crown that will restore your damaged tooth to its original state. No removal required!
3. Consistent Oral Hygiene Routine
I know, I know. Your dentist probably tells you over and over that you should brush for two minutes twice a day, floss at least once per day, and rinse with a fluoridated mouthwash, but they’re absolutely right! The benefits of a proper and consistent oral hygiene routine cannot be understated, and it can very well be the difference between a life with a healthy mouth and one without it. A proper oral hygiene routine can remove plaque and harmful bacteria, significantly reducing your chances of developing tooth decay and needing an extraction.
4. Regular Dental Visits
Even with the most comprehensive, at-home oral hygiene routine, it’s recommended that everyone visit their dentist at least twice a year (every six months) so they can evaluate the health of their teeth, gums, and other soft tissues. These evaluations also allow your dentist to remove tartar buildup (which can’t be removed at home), take necessary digital X-rays to see what’s going on with your teeth and jaw, and assess for oral and throat cancers. These visits can be life-saving in more ways than one.
What to Do If You Need a Tooth Pulled
Most patients who need a tooth pulled have badly damaged teeth from either trauma or decay.
Tooth extraction is always the last resort, but if your tooth decay is too extensive for a noninvasive treatment like dental crowns or a root canal, your dentist may recommend another option. After all, having a tooth pulled without a plan to replace it can lead to a multitude of challenges, like shifting teeth, jaw alignment issues, and deterioration of the jawbone.
The best thing for your dentist to do after a tooth extraction is replace it. The most common way to replace a tooth is through one of the following four approaches:
- Removable Partial Dentures
- Temporary Dentures
- Dental Bridge
- Dental Implant
If you have tooth decay or are experiencing other tooth problems, the next best step is to reach out to your Middletown dentist. During your consultation, your dentist will determine the best dental treatment plan for your circumstances.
Request an appointment with your dentist near Springboro today.
Before assuming you have tooth decay or need a tooth pulled, be sure to request an appointment with a dentist near you for an oral assessment and to discuss your options. Our team will work with you to help you achieve a healthy mouth again.