When your tooth is hurting due to an infection, you may be wondering if you should get it fixed and save your tooth or replace it with an implant. Before you decide on the latter option, consider that an implant will never replace your natural tooth. An implant, though new and and shiny white is something you should consider only if your tooth cannot be saved.
There are several options for a tooth that has decayed:
- If the damage is not extensive, a root canal treatment may be performed.
- The tooth may also be extracted and replaced with a synthetic tooth that is implanted.
- When an implant is not an option, then dentures are used. The least desired solution is extraction without replacement, which will leave a hole in your mouth.
Benefits of Your Natural Tooth
From our experience, there is no better implant than the natural tooth. Saving your natural tooth has several benefits that cannot be received from dental implants. By saving your natural tooth, you maintain the natural structure of your mouth and jaw allowing you to continue chewing normally.
When you replace a tooth with an implant, sometimes the implant does not fill the space completely. Spaces between your teeth can lead to bone loss and collapse. Your teeth then move around to fill the space. This changes the overall positioning of your teeth and may lead to collapse of the bite, a situation known as occlusion. Not only does this alter your natural appearance it also creates chewing difficulties. More treatment is required to fix these problems.
Your teeth do much more than just mechanically chew food. Teeth contain nerves that send communication to the brain. These messages tell your brain how hard to chew, thereby protecting your teeth from biting too hard. Implants have no nerves and so the sensory connection with the brain is lost and this communication is not possible.
How Can You Save Your Tooth?
To preserve the natural tooth, the most common procedure is the root canal treatment also known as endodontic therapy. When your tooth decays and develops cavities, the pulp inside the tooth can get infected. During root canal treatment, an opening is made at the top of your tooth to gain access to the interior. Using specialized equipment, the decayed tissue is removed; the root canals are cleaned and filled with a permanent bio-compatible material. The opening is generally sealed with a filling and a crown is installed over your tooth, for permanent protection.
At Houston Endodontic Specialists, we are highly trained and experienced in the use of the latest advanced technologies. Modern advancements in root canal therapies ensure that the process is relatively pain free. Root canal treatments have far fewer post-operative complications and failures than dental implant procedures. By choosing root canal treatment, you will continue to enjoy all the health and cosmetic benefits of keeping your natural tooth.
At Houston Endodontic Specialists, our primary goal is to offer you the best treatment for your individual situation. After a comprehensive examination, we will advise you on the best cause of action for you. When possible, we strive to save your natural tooth so you can avoid potential complications of implants while offering you the best outcome for your dental health.