Issaquah, WA Tooth Extraction
No one likes the idea of having teeth pulled. Not only does it sound unpleasant, but you can't help but worry about how your smile will look afterward. However, remember this: there is always a way to restore the appearance of your smile, but leaving a damaged tooth in your mouth can lead to permanent health repercussions. Here’s why some teeth simply cannot be saved, and when it could be safer to remove it and replace it instead.
Handling Damaged Teeth: Can They Be Saved?
Most people want to save their natural teeth if at all possible. When a tooth becomes damaged beyond the need for a simple filling, the options are to remove it or try to save it with a root canal.
Although a root canal is designed to sanitize and seal off the tooth from further infection, this outcome is not 100% guaranteed. Your Issaquah, WA dentist will advise you whether a root canal is likely to be successful. If you do receive a root canal, be on the lookout for recurring pain and signs of infection--root canals sometimes fail, and you'll need to be vigilant about taking further action if needed.
A tooth that is damaged beyond repair should be removed as soon as possible to protect your health. Damaged teeth may experience recurring infections even after treatment, or they may retain inflammation that creates health risks for your mouth and your whole body.
The Risks of Oral Infection
Recurrent oral infections can spread to other areas and lead to dangerous health problems. Studies show that oral infections are linked with an increased risk of various conditions, including:
- Cardiovascular conditions, such as heart attack and atherosclerosis
- Damage to facial nerves
- Stroke
- Osteoporosis
- Immune conditions
- Gastrointestinal conditions
- Diabetes and diabetic complications
- Fetal development problems, such as low birth weight
When there's an infection inside your mouth, bacteria have easy access to the inside of your body. This is why they can quickly spread to the heart, lungs, bone, stomach, blood vessels, and other structures. In addition to spreading bacteria, infection leads to general inflammation throughout the body that can increase your risk of many of the above conditions.
Tooth Extractions at Wellborn Dentistry
Decayed teeth, primary teeth, and wisdom teeth
Besides removing damaged and infected teeth, we perform a variety of extraction procedures including wisdom teeth. In most cases it is important that wisdom teeth are removed in order to prevent later complication.
An extraction can also be needed prior to a dental implant, bridge or other restorative procedure. During your consultation with Dr. Wellborn he will discuss all of your treatment options as well as the benefits and risks of your particular extraction case.