What Are the Best Alternatives to Tooth Extraction?

It is believed that the mouth is the gateway to your health. This is not far from the truth. Having healthy teeth is vital. Improper care for them can lead to so many health issues. Practicing good oral hygiene is not only essential for your health, but it encompasses all other aspects such as your finances and emotional health. Looking for the best health professional? Are you looking for someone who cares about your well-being? Companies such as Ackermann provide you with the best when it comes to professionalism. 

 In this article, I will explain some of the reasons dental health is important, ways to take care of your dental health, and three alternatives to tooth extraction.

Reasons why dental health is important.

Dental health is also commonly referred to as oral health. It is the simple practice of keeping your mouth free from decay and infections. Visiting a qualified dentist at least twice a year is one of the best steps to take if you are looking to improve your oral health. Some of the reasons oral health is important are because:

• It affects your overall health

Studies have shown that untreated oral diseases may increase the risk of adverse health conditions. Your mouth acts as a potential area for spotting signs and symptoms of systematic diseases, for instance, diabetes. Diabetes starts to show in the form of dental issues such as gum infection. Studies also show that patients with periodontal disease are at a greater risk of having heart disease. Aside from that, other conditions that can be a result of poor oral hygiene are bacterial pneumonia.  Cancer and infective endocarditis can also occur. The best way to avoid health complications is by visiting your dentist twice a year. 

• Early detection of oral disease.

When you visit your doctor for examinations, he can detect any issues with your teeth. He gets to easily examine your mouth area and evaluate any potential or preexisting conditions. Through this, you can stay in charge of your oral health.

• Prevents tooth loss

One of the reasons people experience tooth loss is due to poor oral hygiene practices. With proper health hygiene practices, you can eliminate your chances of teeth loss through plaque buildup, tooth decay, and gum infection. By practicing good dental hygiene such as visiting your doctor for a professional dental cleaning, you can prevent tooth loss and related problems. 

• To have a brighter smile

Practicing proper dental health keeps your teeth from infection, plaque, and related diseases. With beautiful teeth, you can stay confident and flash that beautiful smile whenever. 

Ways to take care of your dental health

Taking care of your oral or dental health is not as difficult as you would think. Although achieving healthy teeth is a long-life commitment, most of these ways get simple by the day. Some of the ways are:

• Don’t go to bed without brushing teeth
• Brushing your teeth properly
• Brushing your tongue properly
• Using a good toothpaste with fluoride
• Flossing regularly
• Use mouthwash 
• Drink a lot of water
• Eat healthy meals
• Eat crunchy food such as sugarcane
• Limit sugar intake
• Visit your dentist twice a year

Tooth extraction simply means the removal of a tooth from its socket. Some of the possible reasons for tooth extraction are tooth decay, infection, potential infection, gum disease, overcrowded teeth, impacted teeth. Before tooth extraction, your dentist must give you an anesthesia injection to numb the tooth and the area around it to prevent pain. The process will take about thirty minutes after which you should practice self-care to avoid infecting the area.  While this is not the only solution to consider, you’ll be happy to know that there are ways you can take to avoid the procedure. Below are the three alternatives to tooth extraction:

Root canal therapy

The root canal is part of a tooth that is treated by removing the infection from inside a tooth and is carried out in the pulp of the tooth. Root canal therapy is mainly done in two steps. First, the root canal is cleaned and the dentist removes the dead pulp tissue inside. Second, the dentist has to fill the tooth with a rubber-like material and some cement to seal the hole or canals. It is important to note that one has to be anesthesia to undergo the process. The dentist gives you aftercare guidelines such as not chewing on the tooth and brushing well around the area. The process is painless. 

Apicoectomy

This process can only be undertaken in the case of a failed root canal or when a root canal cannot be undertaken.  In this procedure, the dentist opens the gum tissue near the tooth to get rid of the infected tissue. After this, the very end of the root has to be removed. Some stitches have to be done sometimes to ensure quick healing. The tooth may take some time to heal. 

Medication

Painkillers and over-the-counter medications can also be used to relieve pain and eliminate the chances of tooth extraction. This is dependent on the severity of the infection or tooth problem. It is essential to note that you must get the right prescription from your dentist because overdosing is dangerous. If the pain is recurrent, you may consider root canal therapy or an apicoectomy. 

Conclusion

It is vital to know that even if you are provided with the above alternatives, the doctor can decide otherwise. Only a qualified dentist can decide what route you have to take in regards to your oral health. Don’t be afraid to seek advice and help from the orthodontics in west hollywood CA to learn about the best alternatives to tooth extractions for you.