To Pull or Not to Pull? That’s Today’s Question
To Pull or Not to Pull? That’s Today’s Question
If you have a cracked tooth or significant decay, you might be faced with choosing between a tooth extraction or root canal procedure to save the tooth. This can be a difficult choice to make, and many people often look to the easiest, least expensive option, which is extraction.
Yes, pulling a tooth costs less than a root canal and it’s the fastest treatment, but it is really the best choice?
Benefits of Saving a Tooth
Consider these benefits of preserving natural teeth, before deciding to have a tooth extracted:
- Natural teeth are strongest.
- Surrounding teeth will naturally shift into the space left by your pulled tooth, changing bite and appearance.
- Without adequate pressure from teeth, the jaw bone deteriorates. This leads to bone loss and can alter a person’s appearance over time.
- Saving your tooth means you won’t have to deal with an empty space in your mouth. Depending on which tooth is affected, losing it could mean a significant change to your appearance.
- Avoid potential side effects and complications of a pulled tooth, such as dry socket and lingering pain.
- You might require additional dental visits to consider replacing your pulled tooth.
Options after Having a Tooth Pulled
Even if you prefer a root canal to having your tooth pulled, some teeth are so damaged that they cannot be saved. If you must have a tooth extraction, there are options for replacing the tooth. These include:
- Flipper – A flipper is a small mouth piece that serves as more of a cosmetic replacement than a functional one — especially when filling in the gap of only a single missing tooth.
- Dental Bridge – A dental bridge is a replacement tooth that fits in the gap left by your pulled tooth. A bridge is a permanent dental appliance, as it is affixed to nearby teeth. Installation requires neighboring teeth to be shaved down so that the bridge can be fitted and affixed accordingly.
- Dental Implant and Crown – A dental implant is the most effective replacement for a pulled tooth. A dental implant features a metal post, which is installed and fused to the patient’s jaw bone. The metal post mimics a patient’s natural tooth root. Once the post is in place, a crown is then fixed to the post to replace the missing tooth. Dental implants are permanent, durable, and prevent jaw bone deterioration.
Schedule a Consultation Today
If you’ve been experiencing tooth pain or need advice regarding a compromised tooth, we welcome you to schedule a consultation at Cardinal Dental. We’ll discuss your treatment options and help you determine the best plan for you. Contact our office today!
