Don’t Wait too Long to Extract a Damaged Tooth

Many patients have qualms about the prospect of oral surgery, so it can be tempting to postpone a tooth extraction until the situation becomes a crisis. However, there are many reasons to be proactive about having a damaged tooth removed in a timely fashion if it cannot be salvaged.

A damaged tooth may be more susceptible to a serious infection, such as an abscess, so having an oral surgeon remove the tooth promptly can reduce the risk of that outcome.

Furthermore, a speedy tooth extraction also will give the patient an opportunity to move forward with getting a replacement tooth.

After your damaged tooth has been removed, you will be faced with a decision on how to replace it. Patients can choose from a number of treatment options, including dentures, dental bridges and dental implants. It’s important to consider the long-term ramifications of each treatment.

For example, dental implants offer the most stability and durability of any tooth replacement method. Dental implants are made of titanium, a metal with which bone can form a bond. Therefore, the titanium cylinder essentially serves as the root portion of the replacement tooth. No other tooth replacement method features any structure under the gumline, so dental implants are able to secure the jawbone in a way that dentures and bridges cannot.

Because dental implants are so structurally similar to biological teeth, they’re also more effective at chewing. Patients who choose dental implants typically continue to enjoy a varied, healthy diet.

Additionally, dental implants don’t require support from surrounding teeth, unlike dental bridges that need crowns on adjacent teeth to anchor the pontic. This makes it easier to maintain dental implants with your normal oral hygiene techniques and it limits the damage to remaining natural teeth.

If you have a severely damaged tooth that needs to be extracted, see an oral surgeon quickly to get started on the process not only of removing the tooth but also restoring your smile. Call 405-624-1300 to schedule your appointment today.

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