A set of teeth are one of nature’s gifts, and easy to take for granted.  Although individual cells continue to regenerate, most of our body’s structures only develop one time.  The formation of teeth occurs through complicated processes that start before we’re born.  Once teeth appear in our mouth, they’re meant to serve a role through the stages of life.  While they’re designed for that purpose, damage often occurs and threatens to shorten their lifespan. If you have a broken tooth, it can leave you wondering, “Does it make sense to save my tooth?”

We Live In Good Times

Historically, damaged teeth had a hopeless outcome, and often a painful demise.  Egyptians in 7500 BC are believed to be the first society to create artificial teeth, most dental treatments appeared in the last century. That’s a large chunk of human history without much relief for damaged teeth!  Improvements in care parallel the discovery of anesthesia for surgies in the mid-1800s. You may be surprised to learn that this advancement occurred through the innovation of a Boston dentist, Dr. William T.G. Morton.

Today, we have more options than ever to enjoy relief from bad teeth.  But many people find these choices confusing and difficult to decipher. In some cases, you might have to choose between taking out a tooth or saving it with root canal treatment.  The dilemma may be influenced by a few questions and factors, the kind that a good dentist can help you navigate.  

Your Own Tooth Is Best, Right?

That’s a tough call sometimes, and you could be facing a grey area where trying to hold on doesn’t make sense. If the bone anchoring the tooth is sound and a solid foundation of tooth structure still exists, keeping your own tooth might make sense.  An infected tooth cleaned and sealed with root canal treatment can be rebuilt with strong materials. These teeth often enjoy a success rate around 95%.  Every restored tooth holds some risk since it’s been previously damaged. But modern root canal treatment and strong porcelains minimize the risk of future problems.  Remember that biology that caused the original damage doesn’t change with root canal treatment. Staying committed to regular preventive care is vital.

If the bone foundation doesn’t appear sound and the tooth has given up a lot of sound structure, then it may be time to remove the broken tooth. A deep crack through the center of the tooth could be another reason treatment won’t eliminate problems. While some cases obviously fit into this category, others might not seem so clear. Your dentist understands that the cost of different options often fits into your choices, too.  Sometimes the long-term costs of removing a fixable tooth can be higher than the short-term plan to salvage it.  Your dentist considers all the factors so you feel good about the decision you make.

We’re Here To Help

Advancements in healthcare offer opportunities to take better care of ourselves than at any time in history.  Before you make the decision to remove a damaged tooth, feel free to ask us a few questions here. We can even help you find a dentist in your area!