What are the alternative treatments for tooth extraction?

1. Root canal treatment
2. Apicoectomy
3. Periodontal disease treatment

Tooth extraction is a procedure wherein a tooth is completely removed from your mouth. It is commonly performed by a dentist or oral surgeon. It is a quick outpatient procedure where local anesthesia will be used. But in most cases, a dentist will recommend saving your natural teeth, so they may suggest alternative treatments for tooth extraction.

You may need a tooth extraction if you have severe cavities, fractured teeth, severe gum disease, and others. Tooth extraction has several benefits of its own. This includes reducing the harmful bacteria that can damage your other teeth and gums and easing dental pain. But if you want to keep your natural tooth, there are alternatives that you should know of. Keep on reading to learn more!

Root Canal Treatment

Inside your tooth, there is a soft tissue called the pulp. When a cavity is left untreated for a long time, bacteria can enter the pulp inside of your tooth. In this case, your tooth can become infected and cause severe pain. To save your tooth, your dentist will recommend a root canal treatment.

A root canal treatment is a dental procedure wherein the infected pulp is removed. The inside of the tooth is cleaned and disinfected. After that, a filling is used to seal the space. Root canal treatment is also an option, depending on the severity, when your tooth becomes damaged due to trauma.

Choosing root canal treatment can help prevent infection from spreading to your other teeth and reduce the risk of damage to your jawbone. Lastly, it eliminates the need for a tooth extraction too. It’s one of the ways you can save your natural tooth.

A root canal treatment usually takes one to two appointments, depending on how big the infection is. Most people will experience immediate relief following the treatment because the culprit is removed. You may notice sensitivity for the first few days. The good news is that side effects will lessen within one to two weeks!

Apicoectomy

When a root canal treatment is not possible, your dentist may also recommend apicoectomy as an alternative. This is the case when you have a blocked root canal that prevents access to the root.

Other than that, an apicoectomy is normally recommended when a root canal treatment has already been performed, but it’s not enough to save the tooth. Just like a root canal treatment, an apicoectomy is a way used to save natural teeth and prevent serious problems. The only alternative to apicoectomy would be the removal of the entire tooth.

Apicoectomy is a minor surgical procedure. It is known as a root-end surgery where your tooth’s root tip and the surrounding tissue are removed. During the procedure, you will be given a local anesthetic to numb the affected area. The procedure will often take around 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the case.

After the procedure, you might experience discomfort and swelling, which will gradually lessen over the next few days. Stitches are often removed within a week. You will be instructed to follow a specific diet and oral hygiene routine to ensure the treated area heals properly.

Periodontal Disease Treatment

Periodontal diseases happen due to infections and inflammation of the gums and bone in your mouth. In the early stage, which is referred to as gingivitis, your gums become red and swollen — sometimes even bleeding. When left untreated, it can develop into periodontitis where there is gum and bone recession. In this case, your teeth can loosen — eventually falling out or requiring extraction.

Periodontal diseases develop when bacteria infect the tissues surrounding the tooth. Signs that you might have periodontal disease include having bad breath, swollen gums, tender and bleeding gums, sensitive teeth, or loose teeth.

If you don’t want to reach the stage when your tooth needs extraction, it’s recommended to have your periodontal disease treated in the early stages. Treatment will be focused on removing the plaque and bacteria on your teeth and gums.

Key Takeaway

Losing your natural teeth can be an overwhelming experience. But it can happen when you neglect your oral health and allow bacteria to ruin your teeth. Fortunately, various procedures can help save your natural teeth. To know what treatment will benefit you the most, it’s recommended to consult with a dentist.

If you’re interested to learn more about the alternative treatments for tooth extraction, you can book a consultation with us here at Elevate Dental. We have dentists that are trained and experienced in saving your natural teeth. We have branches in Greenhills and BGC.