Dental restorations repair or replace damaged teeth. Whether from decay, injury, or gum disease, at-risk teeth can sometimes be saved and sometimes not. Preserving the natural teeth is the best case scenario, but replacing them with dental prosthetics is the next best thing.
How do you know if your tooth can be saved or not? Here are some of the key considerations used to determine the best course of treatment.
Signs Your Tooth Might Be in Trouble
You may notice any one or a combination of the following symptoms if you have an at-risk tooth:
- Toothache. Pain that persists or comes and goes is often a sign that a tooth is infected.
- Extreme sensitivity to cold, heat, and sugar. Sensitivity, especially if it lingers after the source has been removed, can indicate a more serious tooth issue
- Visible cracks or chips. A cracked or chip that is large enough to see should be examined and treated.
- Large cavities. A cavity that is large is often deep enough to put the tooth at risk for infection or structural weakness.
- Discoloration. A tooth that looks darker than your other teeth could have internal damage.
- Mobility. A tooth that is loose is indicative of greater problems
If you notice any of these signs, seek professional attention from your dentist or periodontist. The sooner a tooth is treated, the greater the chances that it can be saved rather than extracted.
Factors Dentists Consider When Assessing a Tooth
Your dentist will look for the following when assessing a tooth to determine if the tooth can be saved or if it will need to be replaced:
- Extent of damage or decay. In some cases the damage to a tooth is minor and can be repaired, while in other cases the tooth will require more involved treatment to save. If too extensive, it may need to be extracted.
- Condition of the tooth root and surrounding bone. A tooth must have sufficient support to remain in place, so the surrounding bone and the condition of the root are important considerations.
- Overall oral health and hygiene habits. Saving an existing tooth is only successful with a commitment to oral hygiene going forward.
Periodontal Restorations
Some restorative procedures are provided by your general dentist, such as fillings and root canals. A periodontist can provide advanced procedures that focus on the support structures for the teeth. Periodontal restorations include:
- Crown lengthening. When the damage is extensive and there isn’t enough tooth material left to attach a crown, crown lengthening can be done to expose more of the tooth allowing your general dentist to then restore the tooth..
- Gum recession treatment. When the gums have receded, or pulled away from the teeth, there are treatments to restore the lost gum tissue and prevent further destructive recession.
- Dental implants. When the natural tooth can’t be saved, a dental implant can be placed which provides a synthetic root made from titanium to hold a crown and provide more natural function and aesthetics.
- Ridge preservation. If a tooth can’t be saved and needs to be extracted, ridge preservation involves the placement of bone fill material in the empty socket to prevent bone loss until a dental implant can be placed.
- Bone regeneration. In case of a missing tooth that has resulted in bone loss, bone regeneration can restore the lost bone volume to prepare the site for a dental implant.
Get a Professional Evaluation
If you have a tooth that has extensive decay or damage, the best way to determine if it can be saved is to get a professional evaluation. Your dentist or periodontist can assess the condition of the tooth and make a recommendation for the best way to restore it or replace it, whatever the situation calls for.
Progressive Periodontics and Implant Dentistry provides specialized dental services for patients with complex cases. With the expertise of Dr. Gordon and his team, you’ll have the best chance of saving your natural tooth if it is possible to do so. We are also prepared to offer high quality dental prosthetics when the need arises. Contact us today to learn more and schedule a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Restorative Dentistry
How long will my restored tooth last?
After restorative treatment the lifespan of the tooth will depend on a variety of factors. Daily oral hygiene and regular dental care are the most important factors in the longevity of your restoration.
Should I restore the natural tooth or just have it removed?
If the tooth can be saved, it is almost always in your best interest to have the recommended treatment to allow you to retain your tooth. Replacing missing teeth is costly, and extracting the tooth without replacing it will leave a gap in your mouth that can lead to a variety of oral health problems from shifting teeth to inability to eat food effectively..
Progressive Periodontics and Implant Dentistry provides a wide variety of periodontal services including restorative procedures. We create individualized treatment plans that meet the unique needs of each patient for personalized care and optimal outcomes. For more information about our services or to schedule an appointment, contact us today.