Welcome to my site! My name is Verity. I work as a receptionist in a dentist office. Every day for the past 20 years, I have come in to the office, worked on paperwork, and greeted patients. I love my job, because it has helped me meet a lot of really wonderful people. I have seen families grow up! But an added benefit from my job is that I have also picked up some small information about dentistry. I'm not one of the dentists, but I do know quite a bit about simple procedures and basic dental hygiene. Hopefully this blog can teach you something, but remember to always consult with your actual dentist for real professional advice!
About Verity Longpar
Root Canal and Crown Or Tooth Extraction? Can It Be Saved?
Eleanor Crawford
Have you ever had such a hard time with one of your teeth that you wonder if it is even worth saving? While most of the time damaged teeth can be saved by a root canal and dental crown treatment, this is not always the case. Sometimes if you have a deep enough cavity, extraction may be the only option. How can you tell if your tooth can be salvaged? Ultimately, the decision will depend on your dentist, though the following reasons may help you to understand their actions.
Root Canal and Crown
Sensitivity
One of the most obvious signs that you need a root canal is if you have been experiencing a painful sensitivity when hot or cold things come in contact with the tooth. This is actually a good sign because it means that the tooth is still alive. If it wasn't sensitive anymore it would mean that the pulp of the tooth containing the nerves has died and it will need to be pulled.
Discolored Teeth
A discolored tooth is one that is no longer getting oxygen from the blood supply and has died. If the tooth is not too structurally damaged it may be able to be saved with a root canal. In order to place a crown over a root canal, the tooth must be able to support it with some structural integrity. Otherwise, the tooth will need to be extracted and a dental implant placed.
Tooth Extraction
Infection
If your tooth has contracted an infection it could mean big problems for your overall health, your other teeth, and even your gums. Depending on the severity, it may need to be pulled in an effort to contain the infection. Some infections cause the infected tooth to deteriorate, which makes bacteria present in your mouth causing other cavities. In rare cases, the gums will begin to recede. If you think that you may have an infected tooth, you should see your dentist as soon as possible.
Trauma
One of the main reasons for tooth extraction is trauma. Broken teeth, chipped teeth, and dead teeth are extracted when they cannot be saved. And example is a hockey player who has been hit in the gums with a hockey puck, seriously damaging the roots of his teeth. When the roots are damaged teeth die. Teeth like these are usually extracted.
In conclusion, both of these dental solutions are serious in nature and should be thoroughly discussed with your dentist before a decision is made.
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