Alternatives to Tooth Extraction: Can Your Tooth Be Saved?

Today’s dental technology provides a variety of treatments for preventing tooth extraction. In the past, dentists routinely pulled teeth to relieve pain as quickly as possible. Although silver fillings (amalgams) were available in the 19th century, it was cheaper and easier for most people to have their dentist pull an aching tooth.

At The Art of Dentistry, Dr. Moosa Dalwai considers tooth extraction a last resort for treating tooth or gum conditions. The most common tooth extraction process performed by Dr. Dalwai involves wisdom teeth that are impacted or causing pain from partial eruptions. Fortunately, several alternatives are available to avoid extracting a tooth that can be completed in one or two office visits.

Essential Dental Procedures to Save Teeth and Promote Oral Health

Dental Crowns

Dental crowns cover and protect teeth with large cavities, cracks, or chips to prevent further decay. Crowns are also placed over teeth that have had root canal treatment. When cavities are too big to hold a filling securely, dentists may put a porcelain dental crown over the entire tooth to stop additional decay. In addition, dental crowns are strong enough to hold a fractured or cracked tooth together, delaying or avoiding tooth extraction.

Periodontal Therapy

Periodontal therapy is the first-choice dental treatment for severe gum disease. It is a deep cleaning procedure that removes the tartar and plaque buildup responsible for bleeding, swollen gums, decayed teeth, and loose teeth. Periodontal therapy also smooths tooth-root surfaces that may be pitted by long-term erosion. When done by skilled dentists like Dr. Dalwai at The Art of Dentistry in Lilburn, Georgia, periodontal therapy can prevent further tooth loss and potential tooth extractions.

Dental Fillings/Bonding

Dental fillings are versatile cosmetic and restorative dental procedures that can prevent tooth extraction. They involve Dr. Dalwai applying white composite resin to areas of decay, cracks, or chips in teeth to seal off decay-causing bacteria. Dental bonding is sometimes used to eliminate gaps between teeth. Even small gaps attract oral bacteria, which may lead to plaque and tartar buildup, gum disease, and periodontitis.

Root Canals

Everybody has heard of root canals, but did you know they can save a tooth from extraction? In most cases, a root canal is needed when a toothache is ignored until the pain is unbearable and swelling is noticeable. You might also feel a tender bump (abscess) around the tooth that bleeds or leaks pus. By removing the infected tooth pulp and placing a dental cap over the tooth, dentists help patients avoid tooth extraction.

For all your dental and oral health needs, call Dr. Moosa Dalwai at (470) 570-9699 at the Art of Dentistry in Lilburn, GA, to schedule an appointment.

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