Most dentists avoid pulling teeth. The procedure, known as extraction, is irreversible. But it also is sometimes the best option, especially if the tooth to be pulled is nonviable.
When you come into the dentist’s office with a toothache, the first thing we do is an x-ray. This helps give us a better idea of the condition of the tooth. The x-ray is then used to guide the physical exam. We will look at the tooth and possibly probe it with dental tools in order to figure out what’s causing the pain.
Treatment Options
A lot of the time, the tooth can be saved by means of a root canal. Or it may be something as simple as a cavity that needs to be filled. But in more extreme cases of decay or disease, the tooth may need to come out. This is only done when there are no other realistic options.
There are benefits to extraction. For one, it usually will eliminate the pain and swelling almost instantly. For another, the gap in your teeth caused by the extraction can be repaired by means of a number of common options including a bridge or a dental implant.
Bridges and Implants
As the name implies, a bridge is a device that fits onto the teeth on either side of the area where the tooth was extracted. It usually can be removed for cleaning and treatment.
An implant, on the other hand, is a permanent treatment in which a new synthetic tooth is actually attached to your jaw using small surgical screws. It completely replaces the missing tooth and most people will never even know it’s there unless you tell them.
At Bella Smile, we don’t want to pull teeth unless it’s absolutely necessary. But when it is, we offer options that allow you to maintain your beautiful smile.