Baton Rouge Dentist

Would pulling a tooth and covering it be better than a root canal?

Posted on by .

I had a friend who had a snap-in set of teeth to cover a bad tooth in the front. I’m wondering if there is something similar for a tooth in the back. I keep struggling with a tooth on the bottom of my mouth. I have had cavities and fillings, and now my dentist says I either have to have a root canal on it or an implant. I’m thinking it might be easier just to pull the thing and cover it up. What do you think?

Althea, Mississippi

Dear Althea,

While it is frustrating to keep having work done on the same tooth, a snap-on smile is not the answer. Snap-on smiles are meant for temporary tooth fixes. Because they are meant to be temporary, they aren’t very durable or strong, especially not in the place of a molar that takes the brunt of the work chewing your foods. They are not particularly cheap, either.

Also, there are complications that can arise from extracting the tooth. Anytime a tooth is pulled, the body naturally thinks the bone in that area isn’t needed anymore. The minerals in the bone will eventually be reabsorbed into the body, leaving that spot prone to deformation. It may also affect the teeth around that spot as it leaves room for them to shift, changing your bite.

Your dentist may have suggested a dental implant for that tooth if you mentioned extracting it. If you put an implant in, it will slow down or stop the bone loss because the base of the implant is in the bone and lets the body know it is still needed.

Really root canal is probably your best bet as it is the simplest option. It can take care of the needs of your tooth and most likely be the most cost-effective. Typically a tooth that gets a root canal also gets a crown. This is a strong covering that will allow you to still chew like you are used to without fear of it breaking.

If you want other options, depending on the location of the tooth, a partial denture or a bridge may work. Speak to your dentist about your options when you have your next appointment.

This post is sponsored by Dr. Ryan Perry of Baton Rouge, LA.

 

 

 

Can I Get George Lucas to Pay My Dental Bill?

Posted on by .

My son and I were having a light saber fight. He’s become somewhat of a Star Wars addict lately. Normally, I survive these intergalactic battles, but this time a ring around the base of the lightsaber flew off and hit me in the mouth. I thought I was fine at first, and told my son so. He feels terribly guilty for hitting me. But, the next day my tooth felt loose. I keep messing with it and feel pretty sure it’s loose. As it’s an adult tooth I’m guessing I have to replace it. I’m sure that’s going to be expensive. Too bad I can’t get George Lucas to foot the bill.

Miranda P. – California

Miranda,

Yes, it would be great if George Lucas offered some financial assistance here! But, that’s as likely as a Jedi repairing your tooth. That doesn’t mean your tooth has to go the way of the Jedi in Episode III. It’s possible it can be saved. However, for that to have any chance at all you’ll want to stop messing with it. Your tooth has ligaments that attach it. When they’re stretched too much or too often, they can snap.

I’d get in to see your dentist as soon as possible so he or she can stabilize your tooth and do an exam to see how much damage was done. IF you don’t have a dentist you can see right away, you’ll need to call an emergency dentist. They can bond it to the adjacent teeth, splint it, or use a similar method to stabilize it. If it’s protected and kept in its place, those ligaments may heal on their own and the tooth will recover. However, the pulp of the tooth may also be damaged. If this is the case, it may need a root canal treatment after the ligaments heal. Teeth with root canals often need crowns to protect them.

If that’s the case, you’ll want to make sure your dentist is fairly skilled at cosmetic work as well, because from what you’ve described it’s a front tooth which was damaged.

There is a chance the tooth can’t be saved. If that happens you’re definitely right that you’ll want to replace the tooth. Two of your best options are a dental implant or a dental bridge. Dr. Ryan has a good page explaining both and when to choose which one. You can click here to read the dental implant versus dental bridge options.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Ryan Perry.