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Dental extractions used to be one of the fastest ways to get rid of dental pain and infection. Today, they’re one of the last things a dentist in The Woodlands will recommend, because of the permanent impact losing a tooth has on your smile. Still, there are times when pulling a tooth may be the best thing when it comes to the big picture of your oral health.

Here are three situations where a tooth extraction in The Woodlands may be the most appropriate course of action.

You Have Severe Periodontal Disease

Aggressive gum disease affects the gum and bone structures around each tooth root. If it’s severe, those tissues will pull so far back that there’s nothing left to keep the tooth in place. Even deep cleanings or grafts may be unsuccessful. As such, a therapeutic tooth extraction may be required to help establish a healthy environment so that gum disease can’t spread to other teeth.

You’re in Pain

They say that earaches, kidney stones, and toothaches are some of the most painful conditions a person will ever experience. With toothaches, it can be difficult to numb the pain because of the nerve endings and inflammation involved. Sometimes a combination of an antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, and pain-reliever are used to get you comfortable. But if the pain is related to an emergency — such as a split or broken tooth — or we can tell that there’s no quick fix for the problem, getting it taken out could be the fastest way to get rid of tooth pain.

The Tooth is Non-Restorable

If there’s a crack or cavity in your tooth, the best cosmetic dentist in Conroe will always do everything possible to try to restore it. But sometimes, there’s too much structural damage in the tooth for a restoration such as a crown or filling to have enough support underneath. Putting one on your tooth would only weaken it further, causing your tooth to break down more once you start biting on it.

What to do After a Tooth is Pulled

Now that there’s extra space in your mouth — even if it’s a very back tooth — there’s an opportunity for your other teeth to start moving and drifting out of alignment. It’s important to have a tooth replacement plan as soon as you recover. For most people, that means getting a dental implant, bridge, or partial denture.

Implants are the most “lifelike” type of tooth replacement, in that they mimic the shape and function of your natural teeth. Once installed, they can last for the rest of your life. Plus, implants can be used in pairs to support multi-tooth restorations to replace multiple teeth at one time.

For dental implants in The Woodlands, schedule a consultation with us. We can discuss whether a tooth extraction is best for your situation and what alternatives may be available. As a gum and implant specialist, our doctors in PCE are committed to ensuring the best health for your overall smile.