Your Options For Treating A Severely Decayed Molar
Posted on: 16 July 2017
If you have a seriously decayed molar and have not yet visited a dentist, then you are likely wondering what your options will be to rectify the problem. While you need to book an appointment as soon as possible with a local dentist for an examination, having a bit of information about your various options will help you discuss them with your dentist.
At your dental appointment, you can expect the dentist to take x-ray films of your teeth and perform an examination. Once your exam is completed, then your dentist will sit down with you and make a treatment plan that keeps your wishes and cost constraints in mind.
Here is some information on each of the options to treat your severely decayed molar:
A Root Canal and a Dental Crown
If you are fortunate and you are a candidate for it, you may be able to have a root canal followed by the installation of a custom dental crown for your decayed tooth. The root canal will remove any decayed and damaged pulp from your tooth. Once the root canal is completed, then your dentist will make a porcelain crown to cap your remaining tooth. A dental crown looks just like your natural teeth and will prevent future decay.
A Tooth Extraction and a Bridge
If your tooth is too decayed to be capped with a crown, then you will need to have it extracted. While this sounds horrible, having a tooth pulled really isn't as big of a deal as it sounds like it would be.
Once your decayed molar has been removed, then your dentist can fit with your with a bridge, partial denture, or you can opt for a dental implant.
A bridge is the least expensive option and is a manufactured tooth that is attached to the surrounding teeth to hold it in place. Bridges are fixed and glued into place.
A Tooth Extraction and Partial Denture
If you would prefer to be able to remove your new tooth for cleaning, then you can opt for a partial denture. The partial denture is nearly identical to a fixed bridge, but you can easily remove and clean it.
A Tooth Extraction and Dental Implant
If your jaw bone is not damaged by decay or bone loss from age, then you can opt to have a dental implant installed. A dental surgeon implants a titanium post into the bone of your jaw and the post is then topped with a custom-made porcelain tooth. Dental implants are securely attached and both look and feel like your other natural teeth.
A Final Note
Finally, it is important that you make an appointment as soon as possible to have your decayed molar examined by a dentist. If your tooth is not properly treated in a reasonable amount of time, then it will become even more painful and may develop a dangerous infection.
Share