Dental implants are popular options for filling gaps in your smile. However, if you have a damaged tooth, it is often better to save it rather than extract it. Here's what you should know about when a tooth can be saved, when it needs to be extracted, and how you can fill a gap in your smile. 

When Can a Tooth Be Saved? 

It is possible to save a tooth if the damage is not too severe. This damage could be caused by decay, trauma, or other factors. If the tooth has a cavity, a dentist can remove the decay and fill the cavity with a filling material. If the tooth is cracked or broken, a dentist can place a crown over the tooth to protect it from further damage. In some cases, a tooth may become infected. This infection can spread to other parts of the body if left untreated. However, a dentist can perform a root canal to remove the infected tissue and save the tooth. Root canals have a high success rate and can save a tooth that would otherwise need to be extracted. 

When Does a Tooth Need to Be Extracted? 

Sometimes, a tooth cannot be saved, and extraction is necessary. This could be due to severe decay, trauma, or infection that has spread too far. If a tooth is causing severe pain, it may need to be extracted. In this case, it is important to fill the gap in your smile to prevent other teeth from shifting. Dental implants are popular options for filling gaps in your smile. They are a permanent solution that looks and functions like a natural tooth. 

How Can You Fill a Gap in Your Smile? 

Dental implants are popular options for filling gaps in your smile. They consist of a titanium post that is surgically implanted into the jawbone. After the post has fused with the bone, a crown is placed on top of the post. The crown is custom-made to match your existing teeth, so it looks and functions like a natural tooth. 

If you need dental implants to restore a missing tooth, contact the team at Waterford Dental Health in Waterford, CT. Their knowledgeable and experienced dentists will walk you through each stage of the process and provide regular teeth cleanings and additional solutions to maintain your oral health. To schedule an appointment and learn more about sedation dentistry, call (860) 447-2235. Review and download new patient forms online.