“Oh, I lost a tooth, Whatever shall I do?”

You may remember the rhyme from the playground and some of you may remember the visits from the tooth fairy. We all go through the experience of losing milk teeth as children but as adults we hope to keep all our teeth for life.  A few people ignore their teeth until it is too late but others, unfortunately, despite regular visits to the dentists and taking good care of their teeth, may need a tooth extracted and although this is no fairytale, it can have a happy ending. Same Day Teeth Suite will minimise your loss and restore your smile in no time at all.

Losing a tooth, or teeth may seem like the worse case scenario and indeed dentists will do everything they can to save a tooth, but there is a variety of reasons why a tooth may need to be extracted;

  • An extensively decayed or damaged tooth may become infected. With root canal treatment, the inflamed or infected pulp is removed and the inside of the tooth is carefully cleaned and disinfected before being filled or crowned.  It is important to treat an infected tooth as a matter of urgency to save the tooth and to prevent the spread of infection.  However, occasionally a tooth cannot be salvaged by root canal as treatment can be only be performed if the root canals are accessible and can be adequately cleaned and sealed and the tooth has sufficient bone support.  In cases where a tooth cannot be salvaged, it will have to be extracted.
  • Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, infects the gum tissue and jaw bone and, if left untreated, results in loosening and eventual loss of teeth.
  • Some patients have crowded teeth that need straightening for both aesthetic reasons and to improve the bite. In some cases, braces will be effective in solving the problem but in the most severe cases extraction is required to align the teeth correctly.
  • Occasionally we see patients with extra teeth, known as supernumerary teeth. Not only can the extra teeth look unsightly, diminishing your smile but they can cause problems with your other teeth.
  • Medication, specifically immunosuppressive medications prescribed after an organ transplant, can increase the possibility of infections associated with the teeth.  Doctors may well recommend the removal of some teeth prior to surgery.

If extraction of a tooth can’t be avoided, do not fear an appointment with the dentist. What may sound like a worse case scenario will be the best thing you can do in the circumstances.  Whatever the reason for the extraction, your dentist will explain the procedure, discuss your fears and suppress any pain. Modern dentists have lots of ways of seeing you do not suffer at all. In no time, the problem will be solved and you can begin planning restorative treatment, fixing your smile. Crowns, dental implants and bridges are made and fitted to replace your lost tooth as naturally as if they are your own.

If you know, or fear, you may need a tooth extracted, call Same Day Teeth Suite to make an appointment.

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