If you’ve ever had a painful toothache, you know it’s a terrible experience. In some cases, the pain is so bad that you can’t eat, sleep, or go to work, and all you can think about is feeling better fast! In this situation, the first thing an emergency dentist will do is relieve your pain, followed by recommending the best treatment for your needs. And while they’ll always recommend saving your tooth when possible, sometimes an extraction is the best option for your long-term oral health. Keep reading below to find out what causes toothaches, why it’s so important to save (or replace) your teeth, and what your treatment options are.
What Causes Toothaches and When Are Extractions Necessary?
Toothaches are caused by cavities, fractures, or injuries that are severe enough to damage the nerve in the center of the tooth. Extractions are often necessary when most of the tooth structure has been destroyed, leaving it unable to support a restoration like a dental filling or crown. Another possible reason is when a crack or fracture runs vertically and splits the root of a tooth.
The Importance of Saving or Replacing Damaged Teeth
Good oral health depends on having a full set of healthy teeth, which is why it’s so important to save your natural teeth whenever possible (or replace a lost tooth). In fact, even missing a single tooth can lead to multiple problems down the road such as:
- The remaining teeth begin to shift or tip forward, making them more susceptible to gum problems and cavities.
- Bone loss causes the jaw to become thinner and weaker, which changes the facial structure and appearance over time.
- Bite alignment issues that lead to uneven wear on the teeth and jaw pain
- Trouble chewing and speaking clearly
Treatment Options To Save or Replace a Tooth
Fortunately, dentists have treatment options for every situation. Mild toothaches can often be treated with dental fillings. Moderate toothaches usually mean that more of the tooth structure has been destroyed, in which case a dental crown can restore the tooth’s strength and appearance. Severe toothaches usually indicate that the nerve of the tooth is inflamed or infected. In these cases, a root canal will relieve the pain and treat the infected nerve while preserving the rest of the tooth structure.
And while tooth extractions are sometimes necessary, there are excellent replacement options such as bridges, dentures, and dental implants that will give you a healthy, complete smile. Implants can also be used to support a bridge or denture, giving you results that look and feel very natural.
People of all ages need a full complement of teeth to eat, speak, and smile with confidence. And no matter how bad a toothache is, one of these treatments will help you have great oral health for many years to come.
About the Author
With over 15 years of experience as a general and emergency dentist, Dr. Joanne Bancroft has treated countless toothaches. Although she recommends saving natural teeth whenever possible, she always explains the pros and cons of each treatment option to help her patients make the best decision. If you’re experiencing a toothache or have any questions, you can reach Dr. Bancroft via her website.