Nature intended that your teeth should serve you well for an entire lifetime. Unfortunately, the reality is often different. Modern dental techniques and technology make saving and restoring damaged teeth more effective than ever, yet there are still circumstances in which tooth extraction in Astoria, NY is in the patient’s best interest. General dentist Dr. Jeffrey Leibowitz gives examples of situations that warrant the removal of one or more teeth.
The Importance of Preventive Dental Care
Many oral health problems can be quickly and painlessly resolved if detected early. For someone who does not visit a dentist for twice-yearly dental checkups, however, early detection is unlikely. This is because symptoms of these problems are not always painful, nor are they visible to the untrained eye. Some, such as those that affect the jaw and tooth roots, can be seen only in an x-ray. It’s safe to say that a proactive approach to your oral health can save time and money, even sparing you discomfort.
Untreated Tooth Decay
A simple filling is usually sufficient to treat cavities. Without treatment, however, decay spreads and destroys the tooth structure. Eventually, not even a crown is sufficient to replace the decayed areas. A tooth that is unable to support a restoration must be extracted to make way for a replacement tooth, such as a dental implant or partial denture. If the tooth is left to fall out on its own, you face a much greater risk of infection.
Accidents and Injuries
Chips and cracks are easily treated with bonding or veneers, but a traumatic injury to the mouth may compromise a tooth beyond the point of repair. In some cases, such as car accidents, the injury cannot be avoided. Sports-related injuries, on the other hand, are largely preventable. Dr. Leibowitz encourages patients who are physically active, especially in contact sports, to wear athletic mouthguards during activity.
Serious Infections in Teeth and Gums
A root canal treatment involves accessing the innermost part of a tooth to remove nerves and tissue that have been damaged by infection. Having removed the debris, your dentist seals the area and caps the tooth with a crown. Dr. Leibowitz points out that the procedure should be performed as early as possible in the course of the infection. If the roots of the tooth are affected, not even root canal therapy is enough to salvage the tooth. Advanced gum disease, or periodontitis, may also call for an extraction to prevent damage to the teeth, gums, and jawbone.
Dental intervention is your tooth’s best hope. To learn more about restoring damaged teeth, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jeffrey Leibowitz, contact our NY dentist office at (718) 728-8230. Dr. Leibowitz welcomes patients living in Astoria, Queens, NYC, upstate New York, and New Jersey.
