If you’re having painful or persistent problems with your teeth, it can be hard to know what to do. Dental teams like ours usually prefer to save natural teeth whenever they can – they’re typically preferable for a range of different reasons, from jawbone health to facial structure. However, in some cases the best possible route is a tooth extraction.
This isn’t a decision taken lightly, so when we see patients in this situation we’ll take time to explain the options and advise on what we think you need. So, if you’re considering tooth extraction in Bristol, do read this guide first.
When saving a tooth is the best choice
In many instances, it’s possible to save your natural tooth – and if we can, we will. Catching issues early makes this far more likely, so if you’re feeling niggles or you’ve noticed a change, do book a dentist consultation. When a tooth is damaged or decayed, treatment could be as simple as a filling.
If your tooth is infected, we might recommend a root canal (also known as endodontic treatment). This allows us to clear out bacteria and clean the tooth, before re-sealing it with a crown. This effectively halts any dental decline, strengthening the area against future issues.
To confirm the need for endodontic treatment and determine which pathway is best, we’ll use digital X-ray technology alongside other tests. These might include a CBCT scan, which allows us to see the inside of your tooth in greater detail.
Signs a tooth can (usually) be saved include:
- A healthy root structure and stable surrounding bone;
- Cracks that are only above the gum line;
- Continuing good alignment;
- Decay that affects your enamel, dentine or pulp, without destroying the tooth structure or root;
- Minimal wobbling caused by inflammation or trauma (which will often stabilise after treatment).
In short, if examinations show that your root and bone are healthy, and your natural tooth structure isn’t too damaged, it’s likely we’ll be able to save it.
When (and why) tooth extraction wins
We’ll aim to preserve teeth where we can, but sometimes tooth extraction really is the best course of action. Typically, this is when saving a tooth would create more problems than it solves.
Reasons you may need an extraction include:
- Extensive decay or trauma;
- Repeated, persistent infections that are hard to control;
- Advanced gum disease that compromises the tooth’s foundation;
- Cracks below the gum line, affecting the tooth’s roots;
- Impacted, partially erupted or “bad neighbour” wisdom teeth;
- Overcrowding and misalignment.
Patient health is our priority, so if there’s a high likelihood of persistent infection, structural weakness, gum disease, or long-term instability, we’ll suggest removal. By doing this, we can protect your health and give you a stronger foundation from which to start fresh.
What happens after a tooth extraction?
These days, having a tooth removed needn’t be a drastic measure. Extraction is a huge step forward when it comes to rebuilding your smile, and with a problem source cleared, we can begin restoration. The good news is that there are strong options for your next steps.
If you’ve had a wisdom tooth removed, there’s little more that you’ll need to do, besides gentle care. But, if you’ve had a regular tooth extracted, we always advise replacing it. This isn’t just for your overall appearance, but because it helps to keep your neighbouring teeth stable and your jawbone healthy. Modern dentistry offers several predictable and long-lasting solutions, each suited to different situations.
Dental implants in Bristol
For a single missing tooth, a dental implant is the gold-standard option. Because these are inserted into your jaw, they’re able to mimic natural tooth function, which in turn helps maintain your jawbone and facial structure. This reduces any knock-on effects of removal and largely “resets” your teeth: you can chew, smile, and speak with total confidence.
All-on-Four implants
If you’ve had multiple teeth removed, you might want to avoid the need for several single implants. In this case, the All-on-Four implant system can be a far less invasive option. During this treatment, we’re able to use as little as four strategically placed implants to support a full set of fixed teeth. This creates a good alternative to traditional dentures, with an outcome that restores your full function permanently.
How we support nervous patients
Rest assured: our team carries out tooth extractions on a regular basis, so we know it’s a simple and painless procedure. With local anaesthetics and numbing agents, we’ll make sure you’re comfortable throughout your treatment. However, we also completely understand patient nerves and uncertainty.
If you’re worried, it helps to know that we also offer sedation as an option for all dental treatments. This can be a game-changing solution if fear has previously held you back – with sedation, patients report feeling relaxed and comfortable, with treatment times passing quickly.
Saving versus removing: we can help
When it comes to weighing up options, you don’t have to make decisions alone. Our Bristol team is here to diagnose the right route, answer any questions, and empower you to choose an approach that feels right. So, if you’d like some tailored advice or a chat about the next steps, do get in touch – we’re always happy to help.