When it comes to treating a dental emergency, extracting a painful or damaged tooth isn’t always the go-to. Conservative dentistry supports saving healthy tooth structure whenever possible, as pulling a tooth can come with its own complications, but it’s also important to make sure that treatment does not make a tooth problematic over and over again by continually failing due to lack of healthy enamel.
So how do you know if your tooth may need to be extracted as a result of a dental emergency?
Dental Emergencies that May Imply Extraction
Toothache due to infection or decay –The first step in treating a severely decayed or painful tooth is determining whether a root canal would prove beneficial. In cases where tooth structure is not too severely compromised and the tooth can withstand a root canal and placement of a dental crown, this is definitely the primary course of action. However, there are instances where a tooth is simply too damaged to support a dental crown and still be functional and comfortable. In these more severe cases, extraction may be necessary.
Tooth that previously had a root canal, but became re-infected – It’s possible for a tooth to become re-infected after an initial root canal – whether that’s because the source of the infection was not entirely removed or the seal around the dental crown wasn’t ideal and allowed for bacteria to re-access natural tooth structure. Our goal is always to provide patients with the treatment that will last the longest and feel most comfortable; if a second root canal can be provided and still keep teeth healthy, this is the go-to option, but when a second root canal won’t stop the cycle of repair and restoration on compromised tooth, extraction and replacement is best.
Tooth that is too broken to restore – When a tooth has been broken as the result of accident or injury, there needs to be sufficient dental enamel to support the placement of a dental crown. If a tooth has been broken off too seriously or if a significantly large filling has created insufficient tooth structure for restoration, pulling the tooth is often recommended.
Replacing Teeth with Implants
While pulling teeth is the last resort and creates a gap in your smile, Dr. Amini can seamless replace your entire tooth, from root to tip, with a dental implants. Implants integrate with bone and are not prone to decay, like organic dental enamel. If, for any reason, an implant crown becomes damaged, Dr. Amini can simply provide a new restoration. Implants end the process of treatment, dis-comfort, and re-treatment that problematic teeth create.
For more information on treatment options for emergency dental problems, contact Arden Executive Dental.