Why Damaged Teeth Can’t Always Be Saved

You rely on your dentists to save your teeth from decay, gum disease, and damage, so it can be a shock to find out you have one or more teeth that need to be extracted.

Although the idea of having a tooth pulled can leave you feeling uneasy, rest assured that extractions are only recommended when it’s in the best interest of your general oral health. Pulling a tooth doesn’t mean the end of a beautiful smile, either. In fact, it can be a necessary step in achieving optimal oral health and a more aesthetically pleasing smile.

Here’s what you should know about tooth extractions.

What are common reasons why teeth need to be extracted?

Teeth usually need to be extracted because they’ve been severely damaged by:

• Extensive tooth decay, especially coupled with an infection.
• Periodontitis, advanced gum disease, leaving teeth loose.
• Severe dental trauma to the teeth, gums, or jawbone.

Complex crowding or impaction are two other reasons teeth may need extraction. Impaction is an especially common reason for wisdom tooth extraction. 

Generally speaking, extraction will be recommended if your tooth is infected, loose, or a significant amount of enamel is gone and the tooth can’t support a dental crown.

Why do I have to remove my wisdom teeth if there’s no discomfort?

There’s a common misconception that teeth must be painful to warrant an extraction, which leaves many people wondering why their wisdom teeth can’t stay. The problem with wisdom teeth is they’re often impacted because the average adult simply doesn’t have enough space in the jaw to allow them to erupt naturally.

If impacted, they’ll erupt crooked and push into the molars, leading to crowding and crooked teeth. Wisdom tooth removal is often considered an important preventive care procedure to stop these issues from happening. If they do erupt and press into the molars, it’s likely they’ll need to be removed anyway to make space to realign your bite and straighten your teeth.

Do teeth really need to be replaced, even if they can’t be seen?

Replacing missing teeth as soon as possible after extraction is the recommended protocol, but the reason for this isn’t strictly cosmetic. Even if you’ve had a molar or back tooth removed that isn’t immediately visible, your dentist will still encourage you to have it replaced.

Empty spaces left by missing teeth can cause all sorts of issues, including:

• Difficulty chewing food thoroughly, resulting in poor nutrition and digestive woes.
• Remaining teeth shifting, causing gaps, crowding, or crookedness.
• A change in your bite alignment resulting in malocclusion.
• Jawbone shrinkage triggered by bone resorption, which can result in further tooth loss.

Replacing missing teeth with a realistic restorative solution will protect your long-term oral health, keep your teeth and bite well-aligned, and boost your self-confidence. Keep in mind that wisdom teeth or teeth that had to be removed to make space for orthodontics do not need to be replaced.

What are my options for replacing one or more missing teeth?

Orchard Dental Associates offers several exciting options for replacing missing teeth with a comfortable, natural-looking prosthetic. 

Dental Bridges

Dental bridges are a great way to replace one or more missing teeth, usually up to a row of three to four. The bridge or pontic is anchored to the teeth neighboring the gap, which often have crowns placed on them for added support.

Dental Implants

Dental implants can replace teeth individually or rows or full arches using implant-supported dentures or bridges. Unlike other restorations, dental implants are the only choice that functions like a real tooth and keeps the bone stimulated to prevent resorption. 

Denture Options

Full and partial dentures are attractive choices because treatment is quick and affordable. They last roughly five to seven years, but relining every few years may be necessary. Denture options can also be a useful temporary solution if you’re waiting for dental implant surgery.

Orthodontics

Orthodontics is separate from restorative dentistry, but it can be useful for closing gaps caused by missing teeth. It can also help realign your bite if previous tooth issues or impacted teeth have left them crooked and crowded.

What can I expect during and after a tooth extraction procedure?

Modern tooth extractions are a simple procedure with a low risk of complications. Our dentists prioritize patient comfort during every step. We also use laser dentistry to minimize swelling and improve healing post-extraction, and you can also ask about sedation options.

During the procedure, your dentist will first review the X-rays of your tooth and perform a final evaluation prior to removal. You’ll then be thoroughly numbed, more than you normally would for a simple filling or crown. Your dentist will check the tooth and surrounding gum tissue to ensure you can’t feel anything and then use specialized hand tools to gently remove the tooth. 

Thanks to the anesthetic, you won’t feel pain, but you may feel some pressure and movement. However, if you ever feel uncomfortable or need a break, simply raise your hand. 

Once the tooth has been removed, the socket will be cleaned and carefully disinfected. Your dentist may also perform a bone graft at this stage if you’ll be receiving a future dental implant. Larger teeth may need dissolvable stitches, but sometimes only gauze will be needed to stem any bleeding and keep the socket moist.

It’s crucial to follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions to ensure you heal quickly and avoid dry socket, a rare complication, but one you’ll be informed of in case symptoms show. Over-the-counter or prescription pain medication will be recommended to minimize discomfort, especially during the first few days of healing. You’ll be fully healed within a few weeks, but that first week is especially important as the extraction site will be sensitive.

Orchard Dental Associates sees the big picture of your oral health.

Saving natural teeth from extraction is always the primary goal of restorative dentistry, but experienced dentists will recognize when saving a tooth isn’t feasible.

Drs. Orchard and Villamil will carefully evaluate damaged and diseased teeth to determine if a tooth can be saved with a good chance of long-term success. Your dentist will consider the strength of the individual tooth as well as the big picture of your oral health. If it’s in the best interest of your overall smile to have the tooth removed, this option will be recommended.

If you’re looking for a Corpus Christi dental office, schedule your consultation today by calling our office or requesting a visit online.