Tooth Extraction or Repair? Which Is Best for You?
If you have a tooth that is badly affected by decay or infection, you might wonder whether it is better to get it removed rather than having a procedure such as a root canal treatment to try to fix it. However, there are many reasons why dentists try to save teeth rather than pulling them out. Here are a few reasons to opt for tooth repair rather than extraction.
Natural Teeth Are Better Than Replacements
Dentists can offer some brilliant options for replacing missing teeth, such as dental implants, bridges, or partial dentures. However, nothing is quite as good as the teeth you were born with. Natural teeth have in-built defense mechanisms against decay, are perfectly integrated into your gums, and are naturally designed to support chewing, speaking, and everything else you do with your mouth. If possible, it is always best to keep your own teeth.
Removing a Tooth Can Damage Alignment
You might think that one missing tooth is not a big deal, but in fact the other teeth can shift to fill the gap that it left, causing problems with your dental alignment. As a result, you can end up with teeth that scrape against your tongue or cheeks while you chew, which is far from ideal. Prevent these alignment problems by retaining your tooth if possible.
Teeth Protect Underlying Structures
Teeth transmit chewing forces down through the gums and into the bone beneath, stimulating the growth of new bone. Without this stimulation, the bone can become weak and can change shape, making you look older than you are. Keeping your tooth in place helps to keep your gums and facial bones healthy.
Feel More Confident With Your Own Teeth
Keeping your own teeth can help you to have a natural-looking smile, rather than a gap or a prosthetic which might not perfectly match your other teeth. Knowing that your smile looks great can be a real confidence booster.
Avoid Recovery Complications and Pain
Many people are keen to avoid root canal treatment because they are worried that it might be painful, but in fact dentists use local numbing treatments to ensure you feel no pain. However, the recovery from a tooth extraction can include a lot of soreness around the extraction site. It is also possible to develop dry socket, which is a painful condition where the clot that forms over the empty tooth socket dislodges too soon. You can avoid potential complications by asking your dentist to save your tooth if possible.