Understanding Root Canal Procedures

Weighing Your Options When Your Teeth Need Saving

13 May 2015

Diane Mason

Not everyone has perfect teeth, and in some cases your dental health can fall by the wayside as your priorities shift. In these circumstances, some of your teeth may be beyond saving once you have the time, energy and money to address any issues. While your options become limited the longer you wait, it's important to understand just what choices you do have, and how those choices will impact you.

Restorative Dental Procedures

Depending on the severity of your needs, there may be a chance that your teeth can be preserved in some form. Restorative procedures can often give back some strength and improve the appearance of teeth, either through deep cleaning techniques or with the use of prosthetics, such as crowns or veneers. In the end though, the final determination needs to be between you and your dentist when deciding on how to approach any dental restoration.

Most people are familiar with traditional fillings, and many patients are familiar with crowns which are anchored on your existing teeth. Veneers offer a similar solution by covering your existing teeth with an artificial surface. Each of these are only options if your teeth can be preserved in their current state, and any lingering decay can be removed.

Extractions and Beyond

While not the preferred approach of patients or dentists, extractions are sometimes the last recourse available, especially if a particularly bad tooth is threatening those nearby. Before going forward, you need to make certain that you know just how this will affect your daily life after the extraction site has healed. While one or two rear molars may not have a noticeable impact, a change will still take place as your remaining teeth spread to fill the void.

Don't look at extractions as an alternative to regular dental care, regardless of how you might feel about visiting the dentist (such as William J Guthrie DDS PC). If your remaining teeth can be saved then doing so is always better than the alternative. If the prognosis is less favorable, make sure you start planning for the future early so that you're prepared when the time comes to replace your natural teeth with a full prosthesis.

Removing a tooth that can't be saved is sometimes the only choice left, and while it's not a pleasant experience it should be seen as a warning sign. Speak to your regular dentist about what options you have to preserve your remaining teeth, and avoid future extractions due to poor dental care.

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