Imagine being told that your tooth is infected, decayed, or damaged and can no longer be saved. It’s an option you have to consider seriously because the health of your teeth greatly depends on it. But if extraction is the only treatment option left, and you decide to save the tooth instead, you can rest easy knowing that the dental treatment can help preserve its functionality. In this blog, we’ll discuss when extraction may be a better option for teeth and how endodontic therapy can save the tooth by closing root canal furrows.
How to Save your Tooth from Extraction?
If you have damaged teeth, you may be wondering if root canal treatment is the best alternative to saving a tooth from extraction. A root canal treatment is a dental procedure where the infected or inflamed interior pulp of the tooth is removed and cleaned. This allows the tooth to be restored and protected for further functionality and safety. After root canal treatment, some pain is normal as is bleeding and minor facial swelling/bruising. As a result, it can be an effective treatment option for damaged teeth. However, it should only be performed by dental professionals as harmful bacteria can enter the root canal during the process. Also, root canal treatment can only be done on healthy teeth with no infection or decay.
Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment is a procedure used to clean the root of the tooth and prevent reinfection of the dental canal. It involves removing the tooth’s crown and root canal canals with special instruments. The dentist will then fill the canal with a root canal filling material, such as dentine, to protect the tooth root.
After the root canal treatment, you may experience some minor facial swelling and bruising, minor pain, and oozing or light bleeding for 24 hours. In some cases, endodontic treatment options, such as root canal treatment, can help save your natural teeth. If endodontic treatment is not possible or desired due to severe gums disease or other reasons, surgeons may opt for a dental implant or extraction instead.
However, root canal treatment provides long-term protection for the tooth root and prevents any further damage to it. Therefore, it should be considered when possible.
How does endodontic treatment save the tooth?
When endodontic treatment is chosen, the dentist or endodontist will first thoroughly clean the cavity of any decay or tooth decay. The tooth’s pulp may then be examined and treated if it contains an infection or inflammation. The dentist can then use special instruments to remove the infected pulp and disinfect the area. Once this process is complete, the teeth can be restored to its natural state and can resume functioning normally.
Root canal therapy is typically used for this treatment and is conducted by endodontists or general dentists. This involves removing the infection from the inside of the tooth using a hollow tube called a canal. In some cases, a crown or implant can be used to restore the tooth to its natural structure and function.
Endodontic treatment is an effective way to treat teeth with infections or pulpitis that are preventing them from functioning properly.
Tooth-Saving Tips
Tooth extraction should be the last resort when it comes to dental treatment. The American Association of Endodontists (AAE) stresses that patients should first consider endodontic (root canal) treatment, which can restore health and function to an extracted tooth. This can help prevent tooth decay and canal infection. By following these tips, they can reduce the risk of teeth extraction.
- Besides, patients should avoid using mouth gels and mouthwash that contain harsh chemicals.
- Brush your teeth regularly twice a day.
- They should also floss regularly.
- Select the right toothbrush and toothpaste.
- Eat a well-balanced diet.
- Avoid harmful food and drinks.
- Additionally, they should visit the dentist regularly for check-ups and dental care.
Save the Tooth if Possible
If a tooth is missing, it’s important to save it. A tooth can be easily replaced with modern dentistry, but it won’t be the same as your natural tooth. This can cause a variety of issues, including an unnatural smile and denture discomfort.
Dental extraction can be necessary for some situations, such as if the tooth is too far gone to save. Alternatives to extraction are also available to help saving a tooth from extraction. These include root canal procedures (also called endodontics) and crowns. Root canal procedures can help save the tooth from severe decay and infection. They can also restore teeth damaged by trauma or dental defects. These procedures can alleviate pain and improve the appearance and function of teeth. Pain medications may be used to manage discomfort after a root canal. Pulling a tooth can also leave dental marks and dental root rot, which could cause teeth to become more susceptible to decay and gum disease. Both dental extraction and root canal are effective means of saving teeth from decay and infection. It’s vital to assess and treat the oral health as needed.
Sometimes a Tooth Cannot Be Saved
Tooth Extract can be a necessary part of dental care if decay or infection is too severe. However, there are alternatives to tooth extraction if the teeth can be saved.
When a tooth has had several fillings, crowns, and attempts at root canal treatment, it may not be worth saving and should be removed and replaced with a dental implant. This can help restore teeth’s natural functions and appearance.
Another alternative is denture surgery. This involves removing the teeth root and crown, replacing the missing parts of the jaw with dentures, and completing any needed dental work on the dental implant. Dentures can provide a stable and natural-looking oral environment for people who have lost teeth due to illness or injury.
When to Have Your Tooth Extracted
If one of your teeth is severely cracked in several places or below the gum line, it may need to be extracted. This can be done if extraction is necessary to save the tooth’s health and vitality. It can also be done if the teeth can’t be restored and is broken beyond repair.
However, tooth extraction isn’t always the best option. It should only be performed if there is severe teeth decay, a root canal can’t be performed, or the tooth can’t be saved by any other means.
In cases like these, extraction is an effective way to end the pain and suffering caused by dental decay. However, it should only be performed under the supervision of a dentist. The sooner you seek medical help for a problem tooth, the better your chances are of saving it.
How long does it take to save the tooth from extraction?
Saving a tooth from extraction can take anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks. It all depends on your oral health and dental care routine. If a tooth is severely cracked in multiple places or the crack extends below the gum line, it may not be possible to save the tooth.
Conclusion
These are some of the options that can help you saving a tooth from extraction. If you’re facing extraction, know your options and be prepared for your extraction. You can also prepare for root canal treatment and other dental treatment options by reading these blogs and taking notes. Knowing how extraction, root canal treatment, and other dental treatment options can help you saving a tooth from extraction and make an informed decision. Remember, extraction is a hard decision to make. It’s best to seek professional guidance. Have a look at our blog on root canal treatment to understand more.