When I had a badly decayed tooth extracted, I got a partial denture to fill in the gap. I didn't mind it at first, because I was just so happy to have my painful tooth out of my mouth. Over time, I began to get tired of taking it out at night. I asked my dentist if I was could get a dental implant, and he said that my gum disease did not make me a good candidate, but a fixed bridge may be a good option for me. I went with his suggestion, and I have no regrets. I love feeling like I have a real tooth again that I don't have to remove at night. I created this blog to remind other people with a missing tooth that they have many replacement options, and if one is not for you, then try another that may be right.
Root canals often get a bad rap, despite the fact that they can offer people many helpful benefits. If you've been told that one or more of your teeth needs a root canal, you might be looking for alternatives. However, avoiding a root canal means you may have to deal with these three problems later on as a result. Here are three dental problems a simple root canal can protect you from.
Shifting Teeth
When a root canal is indicated, there are two basic options for the patient: a root canal, or a dental extraction.
If a root canal has been deemed necessary by your dentist, there is no option beyond it except entirely removing the tooth. While some people choose this option, it creates problems, like the potential for shifting teeth.
When a tooth is pulled, it leaves an open gap above your gum line and below it, where the tooth's root once was. With this space now open, the neighboring teeth may begin to tilt towards the open space, creating a crooked smile. Simply choosing a root canal instead can help you to avoid this problem.
Bone Loss
If shifting teeth weren't enough, having an extracted tooth can potentially cause serious damage to your jaw. It's estimated that after a single year of missing a tooth, 25% of your jaw bone density will be lost.
Unfortunately, this jaw problem is common in people who lose a tooth or have it extracted. Without the tooth's root transmitting pressure to the bone and keeping it strong, the bone gradually weakens. This can put your other teeth at risk and significantly change the appearance of your face, too. However, since root canals leave the original tooth in place, they don't carry this side effect.
Tooth Replacements
Lastly, if you opt out of a root canal and choose an extraction, you will eventually need some kind of dental replacement. Whether you choose a bridge, implant, or a partial set of dentures, this means more money coming out of your pocket.
To make matters worse, only dental implants are helpful in preventing jaw bones from weakening. If you choose one of the other two options, you'll regain your ability to chew and speak clearly, but the underlying structure your teeth rely upon will continue to weaken.
Root canals are actually a very useful tool for dentists. If you've been told that you need one, remember that root canals can save your tooth and spare you from unnecessary expense, dental misalignments, and bone loss.
Share16 January 2018
