When many people think about dentists and how they care for their patients, they focus on how we keep teeth clean and healthy only as long as the teeth remain in your mouth. The truth is that it is sometimes in your best interest to remove a tooth rather than attempt to treat it. There are a number of scenarios in which a tooth should be extracted entirely rather than treated with a dental restoration like a filling or crown.

When Root Canal Therapy Isn’t the Solution

We perform a root canal treatment when a tooth develops a severe infection deep within. Traditionally the infected tissues are accessed by creating a tiny hole in the tooth. Once your dentist removes the affected parts of the tooth, the area is sealed off to protect against future infections. Finally, a dental crown is placed atop the area, allowing you to continue biting and chewing with the tooth. Sometimes, however, the procedure is not enough to prevent the spread of infection. When this happens, we may recommend removing the entire tooth.

When Wisdom Teeth Won’t Cooperate

Don’t worry—it’s just a name. Removing your wisdom teeth is often the smartest choice. For example, these teeth, which are located behind your molars, may shift in such a way as to force the adjacent teeth out of position. Because this can interfere with proper alignment of your teeth, it may be best to extract them. Otherwise, your teeth may become crooked, which makes them more difficult to clean. Improper alignment also increases your risk of developing a TMJ disorder that can cause jaw pain and stiffness, among other problems.

When the Tooth Just Can’t Be Saved

Some injuries or damages to a tooth are so severe that a filling, crown, or other restoration cannot rebuild it to the point where it is once again functional. For example, a cavity might go untreated for so long that very little tooth structure is unaffected. This may also occur as the result of long-term teeth grinding or when a tooth is badly infected.

About Your Conroe General Dentist

For more details about cosmetic or sedation dentistry in Conroe, TX, or to schedule an appointment with At the The Dental Centre of Conroe, John M Richards DDS delivers distinctive cosmetic, restorative, and implant dentistry for residents of Conroe, Houston, The Woodlands, Willis, Huntsville, and the neighboring communities. For more information about our services, or to schedule an appointment, contact us by calling(936) 441-4600.