Option Beyond Extraction For Restorative Dentistry

28 April 2023
 Categories: Dentist, Blog


In some instances, a person may need extensive dental work to restore their smile, but they might opt for an extraction because it's easier and less expensive. There are several procedures beyond an extraction that are better options for the long-term health of your smile.

Fillings

The most common form of restorative dentistry is having a filling. In order for a tooth to have a filling, the damage to the tooth cannot be extensive and there will need to be enough healthy tooth remaining to maintain the integrity of the tooth after the filling material is placed. There are multiple types of filling material and the best option will depend on the location of the tooth that needs to be filled and the amount you can afford for a filling. Teeth that are visible when smiling are often filled with a tooth-colored composite material or porcelain. Silver-colored fillings are generally the least expensive, but they are usually reserved for teeth further back in the mouth so the color is less obvious. Gold fillings still exist, but are expensive and infrequently used because they are noticeable in the mouth. Any filling you have may need to be replaced later.

Root Canal

When you have significant damage to a tooth, such as a break or large cavity, the damage may be too extensive for a filling. Since a root canal involves having the pulp of the tooth removed to eliminate the infection and a crown is placed over the root canal, it tends to be a costly procedure. Having a root canal is one way of trying to preserve the original tooth. Keeping as many of your original teeth as possible is important to maintain the integrity of your jaw bone and prevent your cheeks from becoming sunken, which can occur if you have many teeth extracted. Maintaining the integrity of the jaw bone is important if you want to have implants later. You can potentially avoid the need for bone grafting if you keep as many of your original teeth as possible.

Immediate Abutment Placement

If an extraction is necessary, you may want your dentist to immediately place an abutment so you can receive an implant. Whether this is possible will depend on the current state of your oral health and whether the bone is healthy enough for the abutment. Generally, when people start the process for implants, there may be preliminary procedures done to increase the health of the underlying bone and gums before abutments are placed. When possible, placing the abutment immediately after an extraction will allow the process to go faster. The abutment is placed in the empty socket after the extraction and the bone will eventually grow around the abutment, securing it into place.

Although extractions are less expensive and easier, you should seriously consider other procedures to help restore your smile. Retaining your original teeth, when possible, is better for the long-term health of your teeth and gums.

Find out more about restorative dentistry treatments.


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