The Whole Tooth and Nothing But the Tooth

Do you have decayed teeth and are wondering whether to keep or remove them? Tooth decay can cause a myriad of issues such as pain, tooth sensitivity, and bad breath. Depending on the location of the tooth, it could also cause confidence issues, especially if others can see the discoloration when you open your mouth to talk. However, getting rid of your natural teeth isn't always the only option. Therefore, before you make a decision and head to the nearest dentist office, here are a few factors to consider.

The Extent of Tooth Decay

How decayed is your tooth? Does it only have brown and black spots, or is it badly damaged? Moderately decayed teeth can be restored through dental procedures such as root canals. However, if the decay is extensive and accompanied by chips and cracks, it may be hard to restore the tooth. Where restoration is possible, the dentist may recommend artificial interventions, such as crowns, to strengthen the tooth. In other cases, you have to remove the tooth. A dentist can examine the decay and suggest the best option.

Confidence Factor

Tooth decay can cause bad breath, which may make you incredibly self-conscious around people. However, having a missing tooth could be worse. Losing an incisor or canine means there will always be a gap between your teeth, and this can affect your confidence. Thus, if you are worried about dental aesthetics and self-confidence, it's paramount to consider treatment options that don't involve leaving a gap between your teeth. However, if the tooth in question is a wisdom tooth, you can easily get rid of it without worrying about aesthetics.

Possibility of Using Restorations

When considering whether to save or remove a decayed tooth, it's essential to think about the possibility of using dental restorations. These are oral appliances that can be used to replace natural teeth. If you want to have all your teeth, but the idea of a root canal doesn't appeal to you, you can consider other artificial treatments. These include the following:

• Dental implants which are surgically inserted into the gum to act as permanent artificial teeth
• Dentures which are removable teeth
• Implant-supported dentures which feature a denture that's placed on an implant
• Bridges which are used when there are teeth on each side of the missing tooth

The above options have different procedures, recovery periods, and costs. They also have different eligibility criteria, especially if you suffer gum recession or other oral health problems.

There are various ways you can manage a decayed tooth. Thus, before deciding to get rid of it and leave an unsightly gap in your teeth, consider the above factors. Talk to a dentist so they can advise on the various treatment options for tooth decay and replacement.