Should I Get A Crown Or Pull The Tooth?
Whenever it is possible to save your tooth, you should choose to save it. Missing teeth can lead to a host of problems, in addition to leaving a gap in your smile. If your dentist tells you that a tooth is too badly damaged or decayed to save, have a professional extraction performed in the office, and together with your dentist determine the best treatment for replacing the tooth. If your dentist tells you that a tooth can be saved with a root canal and a crown, it is in the best interest of your overall health to preserve the tooth with a crown. Read on to learn about the problems you can avoid by getting a crown instead of pulling a tooth.
Teeth Will Shift to Fill the Gap From a Missing Tooth
If you choose to have a tooth pulled, you are risking the alignment of your other teeth. Your adjacent teeth are likely to begin shifting into the space left after pulling a tooth. This can cause alignment problems, and bite problems later down the line.
Missing Teeth Lead to Jaw Bone Loss
When you pull a tooth, the root of the tooth is also extracted. Your tooth root plays a greater role than just anchoring your tooth in your mouth. It also helps ensure that you maintain a healthy jaw bone. When a tooth is pulled, the jaw bone is no longer needed. It begins to deteriorate and shrink. This can lead to a sunken, aged facial appearance. Incidentally, dental implants mimic not only the tooth appearance but the function of the tooth root, which is why it is the preferred option of dentists when it comes to replacing pulled or missing teeth.
Chewing and Biting Becomes More Difficult
When you are missing a tooth, it can make chewing and biting difficult. Missing molars can pose a challenge when chewing, and a missing tooth in the front can make it difficult to bite into virtually everything.
Missing Teeth May Make Other Teeth Less Stable
Missing teeth can have a negative impact on the surrounding teeth, making them less secure. Some studies show that your likelihood of losing additional teeth increases by 30% after you lose or pull another tooth.
You May Be at Greater Risk for Gum Disease
The open pocket left behind after having a tooth pulled leaves your gum much more accessible for bacteria to enter and cause gum diseases. Gum disease is linked to an increased risk of many health conditions including heart attack or stroke.
Your Speech May Be Affected
A missing tooth can affect your speech, causing a slurring effect, or making it difficult to pronounce certain words.
Benefits of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns completely cover the natural teeth underneath them. This results in a strong artificial tooth that maintains the original tooth root. Crowns prevent further decay in the tooth they cover. They also help you to avoid a gap in your smile, which may lead to poor self-confidence or self-esteem. Pain you’re experiencing from a decayed tooth will also be alleviated with a dental crown. Crowns are also strong and durable, lasting years when good oral hygiene is practiced.
Dental Crowns & Dental Implants in West Coxsackie
If you’re experiencing a toothache, it’s important to see a dentist as soon as possible. At New Baltimore Family Dentistry, our expert dentists will try to save your natural tooth whenever possible. If the tooth needs to be pulled, dental implants are also available from our experienced, and friendly dentists. Contact us today to schedule an appointment by calling 518-731-2797. You may also request an appointment online.