Tooth Extraction is Not Our First Option.
Even the loss of one tooth can have a negative impact on your overall oral health. Besides the obvious disadvantage in the appearance of your smile, there are other downsides to missing teeth. You will not be able to chew your food as well. You may have difficulty in speaking clearly. The missing tooth will allow the eventual degrading of the jawbone in that location. For all of these reasons, we make every attempt to save every tooth possible.
How Do I Avoid Tooth Extraction?
If you become fully aware of the negative impacts of missing teeth, you will quickly become energized to do everything you can to protect every one of your teeth. The number one method for protecting your teeth is faithful, thorough oral hygiene. If you will regularly and properly brush, floss, and rinse, you will take the biggest step possible in protecting your teeth.
The second biggest step in the protection of your teeth is regular office cleanings and exams. During these visits, we can spot the weaknesses in your oral hygiene and also identify potential problems long before they become major problems.
When Is Extraction Necessary?
It is crucial for you to take every possible step to protect your teeth. However, there are still situations where extraction can become the necessary final option. Tooth extraction may be the only option in the following scenarios:
- When tooth decay reaches advanced stages.
- When infection or abscesses reach advanced stages.
- When gum disease reaches advanced stages.
- When a tooth has been severely impacted into the gums.
- When a tooth has been seriously fractured.
What if an Extraction is Necessary?
Dr. Littlefield is committed to preserving and restoring every natural tooth when possible. If he reaches the conclusion that extraction is the only option, he will use x-rays to gather the best possible information for an effective and painless extraction. Due to many advances in dental technology and knowledge, a trained and skillful dentist can extract your tooth with a very minimal amount of discomfort or pain.