A General Dentist Can Help Decide Whether to Pull or Save a Tooth

You no doubt see your general dentist as someone who can help you maintain good oral health. This professional will diagnose various conditions and treat them when they occur. You can also learn prevention techniques from your dentist. Tooth decay is one of the most frequent issues that a dentist handles. Sometimes, it can be so severe that the health of the tooth is threatened. Various treatments are available to save it, but sometimes pulling it may be the right approach.

Keeping teeth healthy and strong

Though tooth decay is common, it is a preventable condition. A commitment to good oral hygiene practices is a good way to keep cavities at bay. Brushing at least twice a day with a fluoride-based toothpaste will minimize a person’s chances of getting cavities. Flossing daily is also critical in keeping plaque and tartar buildup away. Also, patients should visit their general dentist at least every six months.

Treatments to save a damaged or decayed tooth

Severe tooth decay can eat away at the enamel layer and eventually introduce infection. Physical damage to a tooth also requires treatment from a general dentist, who can decide whether to pull the tooth or save it. For decay, a root canal may be necessary. This process removes the decay and infection and then seals the tooth to prevent further issues. For damage, the dentist may choose to place a crown over the tooth or attach a veneer to the surface.

Pulling the tooth: not strong enough to save

The general dentist will carefully examine the tooth to determine the right treatment. If the tooth has several cracks or fractures, it may not be salvageable. Also, if the dentist decides it is too weak to keep in the mouth, pulling it may make more sense. Also, if the damage is below the gumline, the dentist may choose to pull it.

Pulling the tooth: it is a baby tooth

If a young patient has profound tooth decay or has broken a tooth, the general dentist may extract it. The dentist will discuss other options with the parents. The dentist will take X-rays to see how the permanent tooth is developing. If it will erupt soon and come in straight, pulling the baby tooth may be the right course.

Deciding to save the tooth

There are benefits to a general dentist saving the tooth. Doing this may stop adjacent teeth from drifting and becoming loose, which can happen after an extraction. If the dentist believes a crown, veneer, or filling will be effective, this will be the approach the dentist prefers. The dentist will also consider the cosmetic effects of saving the tooth and how that might affect the person’s self-esteem.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentist in Jackson Heights, NY

Let your general dentist treat you

If you have a badly damaged or decayed tooth, you have important decisions to make. You can have the dentist pull it out or save it with one of a few different restoration methods. Your dentist has the knowledge and training to do what is right for your health. Listen to the recommendation your dentist gives.

Request an appointment or call 82nd St. Dental at 718-709-3883 for an appointment in our Jackson Heights office.

Recent Posts

General Dentistry: 4 Daily Habits For Your Oral Health Recommended By A Dentist

Practicing good oral hygiene is essential to keeping your teeth strong. From using the correct oral care products to seeking a general dentist regularly, there are plenty of steps you can take to achieve a healthy smile. Here are four daily habits that you should implement into your daily routine.Brushing your teeth is one of…

What A General Dentist Wants You To Know About Using Fluoride

Fluoride is a preventative measure that your general dentist uses to help protect your teeth between visits. It is also an ingredient in toothpaste that can give added protection. One of the most hotly debated topics surrounding toothpaste and tooth brushing is whether or not you should be using toothpaste that contains fluoride. Using toothpaste with…

Daily Toothbrushing Tips From A General Dentist

Your general dentist is here to provide some information about how to best take care of your teeth. Dental health and hygiene are essential to the overall health and wellness of your body. Without healthy teeth and gums, you will be unable to take in the nutrients and proteins necessary for your body to thrive…

82nd St. Dental

Share
Published by
82nd St. Dental

Recent Posts

Partial Denture for One Missing Tooth: Recommended Daily Oral Regiment

According to the American Dental Association, over 120 million people in the U.S. are missing…

6 days ago

Tooth Replacement With Partial Dentures

A tooth replacement procedure is vital if you are missing teeth. You will be happy…

2 weeks ago

Partial Denture for One Missing Tooth: How to Extend the Life of Your Partial Denture

For patients who want to replace a damaged or lost tooth without undergoing invasive dental…

2 weeks ago

When to Repair a Partial Denture for One Missing Tooth

Millions of Americans have a partial denture for one missing tooth. Partial dentures are similar…

3 weeks ago

Can a Partial Denture for One Missing Tooth Improve My Speech?

Missing even a single tooth can have an impact on a person’s ability to pronounce…

4 weeks ago

Partial Denture for One Missing Tooth: What Type of Materials Are Used?

Patients in need of a partial denture for one missing tooth have many options to…

1 month ago