What Do I Do When Told to Have a Tooth Extracted?

Get a Second Opinion

Unfortunately, in today’s environment with implants being available, patients are told to have teeth extracted and replaced with implant supported crowns. Although we are very experienced with implant restoration (over 2,500 implants inserted and restored in our office), I will always try to save a tooth rather than extract, if our patient so desires, as demonstrated by the following example.

Consider Restoration Before Extraction

When you’re told that a tooth needs to be extracted, it’s natural to feel concerned about your options. Modern dentistry has advanced significantly, and often there are alternatives to extraction that can preserve your natural tooth structure. Natural teeth, even if compromised, often have advantages over implants or other replacement options. They have natural nerve endings that provide sensation, they integrate with your jaw in ways that implants cannot, and they preserve the natural anatomy of your smile.

Before accepting an extraction recommendation, it’s wise to seek a second opinion from a prosthodontist who specializes in both preservation and restoration techniques.

Fig. 1: Unsatisfactory Existing Crowns

Our patient presented with a desire to replace her crowns which were not aesthetically pleasing (Fig. 1, arrow). Unfortunately, unbeknownst to her, she had extensive decay leaving very little tooth structure upon which to place a crown (Fig. 2).

Fig. 2: Extensive Decay Beneath Crown

Although many dentists would recommend extraction and replacement with implants, we were able to reconstruct the tooth abutments and fabricate two very natural looking crowns. This conservative approach preserved her natural teeth while achieving excellent aesthetic results that have endured.

Tooth extraction is sometimes necessary, but it should be the last resort, not the first option. If you’ve been told you need an extraction, schedule a consultation with Dr. Marlin to explore all your possibilities.