There are several restorative dental techniques that can spare an ailing tooth. However, if a tooth’s condition is too poor, you may need a tooth extraction. In this process, your dentist will safely remove the tooth from its socket. The general area around the tooth in question can be numbed, to help manage potential discomfort. While the idea of having a tooth removed can be unpleasant, in some cases it is necessary to protect your overall oral health. After an extraction, you and your dentist can discuss replacement options.

Situations That Could Require A Tooth Extraction

One reason you should seek cavity treatment with some sense of urgency is that if your tooth suffers too much damage, your dentist may have no choice but to extract it. If you respond in time, you can spare much of your tooth, and only require a dental filling. In other cases, complications from advanced gum disease could damage support for your tooth, and make removal necessary. Not every reason is necessarily based on a condition like tooth decay or gum disease. Some patients will have a primary tooth (also called a “baby” tooth) that never leaves, and can require extraction. A serious injury could make it necessary to extract a tooth as well.

Prosthetic Dentistry Offers Choices For Your Replacement Tooth

A dental implant-supported prosthetic offers many advantages when you are fitted with a replacement tooth. A dental implant can secure your prosthetic tooth without interfering with other teeth, while also helping support your jaw health. If your dentist is worried about your jaw’s ability to receive an implant, a mini implant can be used, which is less taxing on your jawbone.