Dentist in Odessa Reveals How to Save a Tooth

A compromised tooth can cause pain or discomfort, especially when you are trying to chew and eat your favorite foods. You may also feel self-conscious about the appearance of your tooth if it is chipped, fractured, or discolored due to decay. The good news is your dentist in Odessa has excellent solutions for restoring your tooth. Here’s what you should know about options for saving your tooth.

A Dental Crown

A crown is designed to restore a tooth that has been cracked, fractured, or compromised by tooth decay. It fits over your natural tooth structure, protecting your remaining tooth and root. A crown gives you all the function you had with your natural tooth and is customized to provide the aesthetics you want by naturally complementing your smile.

Root Canal Therapy

For a tooth that has been compromised with deep decay that has reached the nerve of your tooth, root canal therapy may be necessary to eliminate the diseased tissue inside it and alleviate your discomfort. When decay reaches the nerve of your tooth, it causes an infection that will result in severe pain. It’s important to contact your dentist right away if you are feeling discomfort or notice swelling.

A dental crown or permanent filling will be used to strengthen your tooth after root canal therapy to ensure that you have all the function you had before.

If Your Tooth Can’t Be Saved

There are times when extracting your tooth is the best option for protecting your oral health. This happens when your tooth is fractured or decayed beyond what root canal therapy can repair.

If you find yourself facing a tooth extraction, it’s a good idea to talk with your dentist about your options for tooth replacement. A missing tooth can significantly impact the health of your jawbone as it begins to deteriorate without a root to support. Neighboring teeth will begin to shift into the open space without a replacement tooth.

A dental bridge can replace one or more adjacent missing teeth, while a dental implant is a good option for single tooth replacement or multiple missing teeth since it can support dental prosthetics such as a bridge or denture.

Your dentist can assess your situation to help you select the tooth replacement option that best suits your needs, lifestyle, and budget, so don’t wait to give them a call if you are living with a compromised tooth.

About the Author

Dr. Franklin Boyles has been providing exceptional, patient-centered dental care to residents of Odessa, TX for more than 40 years. He is now joined by his son, Dr. Stephen Boyles, who is committed to carrying on the excellent standards and traditions of high-quality care started by his father so many years ago.

If you would like to contact Dr. Boyles, he can be reached by calling 432-366-0896 or through his website.