Another Option Besides a Tooth Extraction

So you’ve been told you need to have a tooth extracted. Going through this treatment may even sound appealing if you’ve been suffering from tooth pain. But the team at our dental office in Charlottesville wants you to know that you may have another option available.

Consider a Root Canal

A tooth extraction is usually recommended when a tooth has severe decay or sustained a serious dental trauma. But there are times when a natural tooth can be saved despite the damage. The treatment of choice for severely decayed teeth is often a root canal. Even though this treatment has a bad reputation of being painful, it’s usually the best option to save a tooth from extraction.

What is a Root Canal?

If you ask the general population what the worst dental treatment is, we’re willing to bet most of them would say a root canal. But that claim is outdated and simply no longer true. Advanced dental technology makes root canal treatment incredibly comfortable. During a root canal, your dentist in Charlottesville will numb the area, make a teeny hole in the infected tooth, and remove any infected material lurking inside the tooth. Afterward, a dental crown caps the tooth. While the treatment itself may seem scary, it actually allows for almost immediate pain relief.

When Won’t a Root Canal Work?

There’s no one answer for any given situation, but there are occasions when a root canal won’t resolve pain or fix the problem. When this happens, a tooth extraction is probably the best option. Of course, keeping your natural teeth for as long as possible is always the desired outcome for any dentist. But when that’s not possible and an extraction is needed, you should consider tooth replacement options such as:

• Dental Bridge
• Partial Dentures
• Dental Implants

Replacing any lost tooth is important to maintain not only the cosmetic appearance of your smile but also its proper function. When a tooth is pulled it opens up a space. This can allow other teeth to shift. The result may be a change in bite and ultimately TMJ or jaw problems.

Our Charlottesville dental office is committed to preventing the need for advanced dental treatment such as a root canal or extraction. Part of what allows us to do that is making sure we see you twice a year for a dental checkup. These visits allow us to check for any new decay and treat it before it has a chance to affect deep into the tooth.

If you’re overdue for a dental checkup, call us to schedule an appointment today.

About The Author

Dr. Jack T. Kayton

Dr. Jack T. Kayton has served families in Charlottesville and surrounding areas since 1994 through his general and family dentistry private practice. Believing that everyone deserves quality dental care, he donates his time to worthy causes. He volunteers at the Donated Dental Service and the Charlottesville Free Clinic. His professional affiliations include the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and the Academy of General Dentistry, among others.

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