If you’ve experienced dental trauma or serious tooth decay, it may be time to visit an oral surgeon. In many cases, it’s possible to save a tooth when you take swift action. Learn more about your options in the following guide.

How a Tooth Can Be Saved

The level of decay or trauma to a tooth determines whether it can be saved. If much of the structure of the tooth has been compromised, chances are your oral surgeon will recommend extraction instead of a tooth-preserving remedy.

In other cases, your oral surgeon may recommend a root canal. This procedure involves removing the damaged inner recesses of the tooth, stabilizing it with a sturdy dental material, and placing a crown on top to keep bacteria from infiltrating the tooth. A good candidate for this procedure will have enough tooth structure left after removing decay and cleaning out the interior.

For smaller cavities that haven’t infiltrated the deeper parts of the tooth, fillings are used. The damaged area is drilled away and a filling placed on top to keep the tooth intact.

When Extraction Is the Best Option

When a tooth is significantly damaged, it will likely need to be extracted. Significant damage entails a cavity that has penetrated the inner recesses of the tooth or eaten away a large amount of enamel. Extraction might also be necessary for severely misaligned teeth or impacted wisdom teeth, which are stuck under the gum line. 

Why It’s Important to Fill In Missing Teeth

Missing teeth are not only an aesthetic concern but can also have a direct impact on underlying jaw bone tissue. The jaw bone will degrade in any areas where teeth are missing. It can also be harder to chew and speak when you have gaps in your smile.

Dental implants are the most reliable solution. A titanium rod is inserted into the jaw bone, on top of which an artificial tooth is placed. These teeth look and function like natural ones and prevent the negative side effects of gaps. 

To determine whether your tooth can be saved, consult the Oral Surgery Associates of Alaska in Anchorage. The board-certified oral surgeons provide a wide range of procedures to restore your smile and improve your oral health, including dental implants. Call (907) 561-1430 to schedule an appointment, and visit the website for a full list of procedures.