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Generally speaking, it is always best to save your real tooth if possible. If your tooth becomes damaged or badly decayed, in many instances it can be saved with a root canal and a dental crown. A root canal may be necessary to save your tooth if the nerve becomes damaged. In this procedure, your tooth’s damaged nerve and pulp are removed, and your tooth is cleaned and sealed. A root canal will prevent your tooth from becoming infected and abscessed. Dental crowns A dental crown may then be placed on top of your damaged tooth and cemented into place to protect it. Unlike fillings that cover only a portion of your tooth, a dental crown “caps” your entire tooth, preventing it from further damage. Crowns are used when your tooth is broken or too badly decayed to hold a filling. Many cosmetic dental practices today use porcelain crowns that look and feel like your natural tooth. Some advantages of porcelain dental crowns include: • Preserve damaged natural teeth • Add strength to weakened or worn teeth • An aesthetic, natural appearance • Resistant to stains • Improve the strength of your bite and ability to eat your favorite foods • Good for front teeth as well as molars If your tooth is badly infected, it may be too late for a root canal treatment to be effective and your tooth probably won’t be able to hold a crown. If this is the case, it would be best to have the problematic tooth pulled. If you decide to have your tooth pulled, you should not leave that space empty. If you do, your gums will begin to recede and your other teeth will begin to shift toward that void. The result will be a misaligned bite along with difficulty chewing, eating and even talking. Dental implants A dental implant is a small screw that acts as the root of your tooth. It is permanently fastened to your jaw to effectively hold in place dentures, partial dentures, or a permanent restoration such as a replacement tooth or bridge. This option is ideal for anyone who is in good oral health and has lost a tooth because of an accident, periodontal disease or other incident. Dental implants are actually safer and better for your overall oral health than traditional bridgework, because implants do not rely on neighboring teeth for support. Some advantages of dental implants include: • Look, feel and function like your natural tooth • Increased self confidence because you no longer have an empty space • More secure than dentures or partials, giving you the ability to eat what you want • Long lasting (most last a lifetime) • Replaces one or multiple teeth without affecting your bordering teeth • Provide support for dentures, making them stronger and more comfortable If you are on a budget If you are on a budget or do not have dental insurance, a crown is less expensive than a dental implant and restoration. However, if your tooth is badly decayed or too infected for a crown to stay secure, your best bet is to have the problematic tooth pulled now, and get a dental implant when you are financially able. Most cosmetic dentists offer financing options that can enable you to afford your dental work. You can also use a temporary prosthesis, such as a “flipper” to hold the empty space while you are saving for your implant. This prosthesis will allow your gum to shape to the temporary tooth, maintaining your bite and preventing the other teeth in your mouth from shifting. If you live in Portland, Lake Oswego or West Linn, Oregon, and you have a problematic tooth but are unsure whether to have it capped or pulled, please visit the Web site for Orgeon cosmetic and general dentist Dr. Sue Wendling today to learn more about your options.
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