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If you’re dealing with a cracked tooth or unbearable toothaches, you might think the easiest route would be to pull the problematic tooth and forget about it. And, with all the advancements in cosmetic dentistry, why would it even matter if you lose an adult tooth? Nowadays, dental implants and dentures look natural, fit comfortably, and restore the function of your missing natural tooth better than ever before.
The truth is your natural teeth will almost always look and perform better than anything man-made. Regular brushing and flossing, along with bi-annual check-ins with your Fort Worth dentist, can help you keep your teeth for a lifetime. These preventative exams let us see the earliest signs of things that aren’t quite right in your mouth so that we can help you take the necessary steps to correct them long before they become painful or damaged.
Even if you feel like your natural teeth are beyond the point of repair, you should always consult with your Fort Worth dentist to see if there are treatments to save your teeth. Here are a few important reasons why:
You'll Lose Bone Muscle
When you get a tooth extracted, you might think you’re only removing the visible surface area of the tooth, but that’s not the case. When a tooth is removed, the root is removed too: an important feature of your mouth that works hand-in-hand with your jawbone. Every time you bite down, talk or chew some food your tooth roots send vibrations to your jawbone that stimulate regeneration and support ongoing bone health.
When you remove the root, your jawbone doesn’t receive that same stimulation anymore, and over time, the bone begins to shrink. According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, your bone will deteriorate by 25% in the first three months following a tooth loss, and up to 50% in the first 6 months. This bone loss can make it hard for your mouth to perform basic functions and can lead to difficulty chewing and speaking clearly. And it’s not just limited to the functions inside your mouth—bone loss can even affect your appearance. Over time, you could develop sunken cheeks, a misaligned bite, and an asymmetrical face shape.
One Missing Tooth Leads to Many Problems For Your Other Teeth
Your teeth are an intricate support system. Just like the pillars or beams on a building keep a structure up, each tooth is designed to hold each neighboring tooth in place.
Even the loss of one tooth can create a domino effect that causes the whole system to collapse. That’s because when one tooth is lost and not replaced, the teeth on both sides are also left without a bolstering neighbor. Because there’s no resistance keeping them in place, these neighboring teeth will shift into the empty area and fill the empty hole. Eventually, teeth may become crooked, new gaps may appear between teeth, and all of this shifting can create bite misalignment issues.
The worst consequence of this domino effect is the increased chance of further tooth loss. As your teeth shift, the root structure holding them in place weakens and the entire tooth can become loose. That means this new shifting tooth is also far more likely to fall out, creating additional gaps that threaten the neighboring teeth beside them.
It's Cheaper to Save Your Tooth
Many people are under the common misconception that getting a tooth pulled is a lot cheaper than trying to save it. On paper, that might seem true. But, eventually, you’ll need to replace that missing tooth if you want to avoid all of the above issues. When you look at the bigger financial picture, it’s cheaper to try to save your tooth. This amount can definitely change when you look at the bigger picture. The costs of replacement implants, partial dentures, or dental bridges you’ll need to replace the tooth (or teeth) can seriously add up. By having your Fort Worth dentist save your natural tooth, you save money in the long run.
How Our Fort Worth Dentists Save Your Natural Teeth
Whenever possible, our Fort Worth dentists will do whatever possible to save your natural teeth. The most common procedure to accomplish this is the root therapy treatment, but we might suggest other treatments, like canals or fillings. These treatments work to restore the natural health, and function of your teeth, which is why tooth extractions are always the last resort. And with proper care, most teeth that have had these restorative treatments can last a lifetime.
But sometimes, there are certain circumstances when it’s too late to save a tooth. A tooth extraction might be necessary if you suffer from the following conditions:
- Severe dental trauma
- Excessive tooth decay
- Damaged oral cavity
In this instance, your Fort Worth dentist might recommend a tooth extraction, along with a dental implant that will replace it and preserve your bone health and jaw structure.
At Smile Fort Worth, Protecting Your Teeth Is Our Priority
Here at Smile Fort Worth, our mission is to protect your smile and oral health. If your tooth needs to be rescued, stop by our office to talk with our practitioners. In most instances, your teeth can be saved with restorative treatments. We’ll consult with you and explore all your options to keep you smiling—with your own natural teeth. Schedule an appointment today.
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