It may be tempting to have an aching or damaged tooth pulled, but it is always best to keep the teeth you were born with for as long as possible. Fortunately, there are a number of interventions available which can help you do just that. Keep reading to learn more about how your restorative dentist can help you rescue a problem tooth, and why a dental implant can be a wonderful solution when that is just not possible.
Why Conservative Dentistry Matters
While options in tooth replacement are better than ever with dental implants (more on those below), there is nothing better for you than keeping your natural teeth in the gum line for as long as possible. Conserving the smile you were born with, including each individual pearly white, is the best way to promote your oral and overall health over a lifetime. Brushing, flossing, and visiting your dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning will help to prevent the tooth decay and gum disease which can quickly lead to tooth loss.
Options for Restoring Teeth
When you visit an excellent restorative dentist with a problematic tooth, they will evaluate the damage and put together a treatment plan with the aim of conserving the tooth whenever this is possible. In many cases, a root canal restored with a dental crown can arrest significant decay and help you maintain your natural tooth for longer. This procedure can be completed in a single visit and may preserve the crown for more than 20 years.
Dental Implants for Missing Teeth
Of course, sometimes it is not in the best interest of your oral and overall health to preserve a seriously troubled tooth. In these cases, your dentist may recommend a dental implant. This option gets very close to restoring the natural tooth structure, as the tooth’s root is replaced with a sturdy titanium post. This titanium post stimulates the growth of bone tissue to help it fuse together with the jaw bone. Then, a natural-looking dental crown is affixed on top of the implant post.
Unlike a traditional fixed bridge, an implant-retained crown does not require the alteration of the teeth surrounding the gap in the smile. And, with proper care and maintenance, it can last for a lifetime. That makes dental implants by far the best replacement option when a tooth cannot be rescued through restorative dentistry.
To conclude, it is always best, if possible, to keep your tooth than to pull it. When that is not possible, a wonderful replacement can be achieved when you visit a talented restorative dentist for a stable and natural-looking dental implant.
Meet the Dentist
Dr. L. Blaine Kennington is a trusted dentist offering excellence in general, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry. He practices conservative dental care, always working first to preserve patients’ natural smiles for long-lasting success. To learn more or to book a visit for a root canal or to discuss dental implants, you are invited to contact Cowlitz River Dental by calling (360) 274-9100 today.