A Few Questions About Tooth Extraction

Preserving your smile by protecting your healthy, natural tooth structure is the cornerstone of most restorative dentistry procedures. Though it can seem counterproductive, that sometimes means extracting a tooth so that it can no longer threaten the rest of your oral health. Being told that you need tooth extraction can leave you with many questions. Today, we answer a few of those questions to help you better understand the importance of extracting a troublesome tooth.

How do I know if extraction is a good idea?

Like all dental treatments, your dentist will only tooth extraction if absolutely necessary. For instance, some teeth can sustain so much damage that there is no longer enough healthy tooth structure to effectively restore. Others may develop deep infection, or decay, that erodes most of its healthy structure. To know if extraction is a good idea, your dentist perform a comprehensive examination, including taking digital X-rays to get a detailed view of your tooth and its root.

How do I preserve my smile after tooth extraction?

Though tooth extraction may be necessary, removing a tooth from your dental ridge can still impact the rest of your oral health. To prevent the consequences that often result from tooth loss, your dentist may suggest replacing the tooth as soon as possible after having it extracted. If you qualify, your best option may be to replace the tooth with a dental implant and crown. The implant post, which inserted into your jawbone, acts like a natural root to support a custom dental crown, creating the most lifelike replacement for your extracted tooth.

Ask Your Dentist About Tooth Extraction

Tooth extraction is often the first step to fully restoring your smile, especially if you have a tooth that can’t be saved with restorative treatment. To learn more, or to schedule an appointment, call Gentle Smiles in Dallas, TX, today at 972-329-7645 (972-329-SMILE).