Getting a tooth extracted can be a scary process. Thankfully, most dentists treat removing a tooth as a last effort to relieve pain and improve dental health. There are several alternatives to dental extraction that your dentist will go over before committing to removing your tooth, including a root canal and other tooth-saving techniques. If you need a dental extraction, your dentist will work with you to ensure the process is as painless and quick as possible. Let’s look at tooth extraction alternatives, from root canals and dental repair to bridges and dental implants.
Tooth Extraction Alternatives
A dental extraction is a solution for a broken or damaged tooth, as it helps prevent infection. However, there are other ways to repair a cracked tooth. First, your dentist will likely perform a root canal if there is an infection in the pulp of your tooth. This seals off the tooth’s interior and removes the source of the pain and infection. Once this is done, the tooth itself may be capped or repaired in such a way as to ensure stability. This process depends on your tooth’s structural integrity and the procedure’s cost.
Another alternative to total tooth extraction is a dental implant or bridge replacement.
This still requires a dentist to remove your damaged tooth, but instead of leaving you with an empty space along your smile, your dentist works to replace the missing tooth. Dental implants are permanent solutions to missing teeth. These dental fixtures attach to the jaw using an anchor system, proving more stability than dentures. However, dental implants require surgery, making them less popular than other alternatives, not to mention more costly.
You may qualify for a dental bridge if the teeth surrounding your extraction site are still healthy.
This dental fixture bridges the gap between two teeth, using your healthy teeth as anchor points for a dental crown. This gives the appearance of a natural tooth, fixing any gaps in your smile, and allows you to chew on the crown like you would a natural tooth.
As you can see, several different solutions to dental extraction exist. Depending on your budget and what’s best for your dental health, you can easily replace your tooth with a dental implant or bridge or avoid extraction altogether. In most cases, your dentist will fight to save your existing teeth, saving extraction for a tooth beyond saving. However, it is worth noting that if you are being cost-efficient, removing a tooth can be one of the cheapest ways to solve dental distress, so keep that in mind next time you go to the dentist.
If you have questions about tooth extraction alternatives, contact Smile with Grace Dental Care at (201) 641-1111. Our team would be happy to review your options with you and help you set up an appointment. We can also discuss different treatment plans and give you an idea of what to expect from a dental implant, bridge, or other dental work. We look forward to hearing from you.
