Dreading to eat that chocolate bar or dreading to see a dentist because you don’t have to get your teeth removed. This is a question that by far most people are concerned about.
With increasing developments in dentistry, there are multiple ways we can restore a decayed tooth or manage decays in general.
First of all, it is very common to have decayed or broken teeth. But every problem has a solution.
Tooth extraction, as we all know as removal of tooth/teeth is a common dental procedure. But this is definitely an extreme resolution. Tooth extractions are only suggested when:
- There is extreme tooth decay with a risk of developing an infection.
- Infection that can penetrate in the roots of your teeth and gums.
- Teeth overcrowding.
- Trauma or injury.
Tooth extraction is however not an answer to all dental issues; which can be restored easily through other procedures like fillings, crowns and root canals.
Let’s discuss a few known alternatives to tooth extraction which can be longer, time taking but rewarding procedures.
Root Canal:
A root canal is a slightly invasive procedure used to restore a damaged or decayed tooth/teeth. The dentist makes his way to the cavity through making a hole (canal) to remove the infected tissue. The root end gap is filled with synthetic materials, restoring the teeth’s natural structure and function. A root canal is less painful and needs comparatively less after care.
As long as the tooth is well connected to the jaw, a root canal is a significantly low risk and highly successful dental procedure.
Apicoectomy:
An apicoectomy, also called root-end surgery, is also one alternative to tooth extraction. To some it might come as something brand new.
This is when a root canal fails at doing its job, or in other terms, is unsuccessful. Apicoectomy is employed when the infection remains to be there after a root canal, causing pain and inflammation. Consider it to be a micro surgical process which exposes the bony area around the end of the tooth.
It involves a surgical opening of the gum tissue that surrounds the affected tooth. The area is monitored professionally and infected areas are cut out and a seal is placed over the end of the root canal. In the end, a few stitches are placed to secure the tissue tight and in place.
Final Comments
In some cases, tooth extraction is a needed and required solution. But there are multiple ways you can restore your existing tooth. Options like dental crowns, dental filling, root canal or apicoectomy are devised to combat a variety of dental issues and concerns.
If you also want to seek professional help regarding your oral health, contact Aava Dental. We are based in North Hollywood, CA 91606 Oxnard CA 93033. You can call us at (818) 792 4500.