Boyles General Dentistry Blog

You have a big trip coming up in just a few days. You’ve been looking forward to this vacation for months, and you can’t wait to leave. But at your dental appointment, your dentist tells you that you need a root canal. Many questions pop up in your brain all at once. Will this procedure interfere with your plans? What are the risks of completing more complex dental work so close to traveling? Read on to learn the answers to these questions and more.

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When you look in the mirror and see gaps in your smile from missing teeth, you know it’s time to replace them. You could get a dental bridge, a partial denture, or dental implants to bring back your teeth’s former function and beauty. You’ve heard that dental implants are the most advanced method, but are you eligible for this option? Keep reading to learn six signs that you may be a good candidate for dental implants in Odessa.

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For your entire lifetime, you only get one set of permanent teeth. As a result, you and your dentist should do everything possible to preserve your smile for the long haul. However, when it becomes necessary to remove a tooth, the procedure can be either simple and easy or challenging and complicated. But why? Why makes a tooth extraction more complex than another? And why on earth would you extract a tooth in the first place? In this post, you’ll get answers to these important questions.

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When you go in for your routine dental checkup, one of the dentist’s team members takes digital X-rays of your teeth. Later, while performing your comprehensive exam, the dentist looks at your X-rays. But do you know why your dentist uses this advanced technology? What do X-rays show your dentist in Midland that they can’t see on their own? In this post, you’ll learn about four examples of the kinds of things your dentist looks for in your X-rays and how they can use that information to keep your smile happy and healthy.

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You feel that turn in your stomach whenever you meet a new client. You’re embarrassed to smile and show them your crooked teeth; however, you’re also worried about making the wrong impression if you don’t smile. You’ve considered orthodontic treatment, but you’re not sure which is more uncomfortable: being an adult with braces or being an adult with crooked teeth? The good news is that there is a solution for your situation with clear braces. Here’s what you should know.

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Dentures in Odessa are the fastest, easiest way to replace multiple missing teeth all at once. This is true whether you choose partial or full dentures. You may also want to consider implant-supported dentures, which avoid the need for adhesive creams and metal clasps. Your dentist can give you more information during your upcoming appointment.

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Just like your house relies on a solid foundation to be stable, your gums are the support system for your teeth. When your gums are not healthy, your teeth are in jeopardy. Did you know that your periodontal (gum) health also affects other aspects of your body? Your dentist in Odessa explains what you should know about your oral health and your overall well-being.

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When you are experiencing severe dental pain, you may feel like you want to get that tooth out of your mouth no matter what! However, an extraction is only recommended as a last resort and root canal therapy may be able to preserve your tooth. Here is the important information to know about dental pain and tooth extractions.

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Contemplating the thought that you may need a tooth removed can feel overwhelming at first! While a tooth extraction is always recommended as a last resort, there are certain circumstances in which it is the best option to protect your oral health. Rest assured that your Odessa dentist will be there to guide you not only through the extraction process and recovery, but also to help you with tooth replacement options if necessary.

Why Does My Tooth Need to be Removed?

There are a few different circumstances in which your dentist will recommend a tooth extraction. These are:

• A tooth that has been fractured, cracked, decayed, or traumatized beyond what root canal therapy can treat.
• To eliminate crowding and expedite orthodontic treatment.
• Advanced periodontal (gum) disease.
• Wisdom teeth – or third molars
• A tooth that is impacted (stuck beneath the gum line) or infected

What is the Cost of a Tooth Extraction?

Each patient’s situation varies greatly, and so does the cost of an extraction. Price is based on the complexity of the case, including the number of teeth being removed and which teeth they are. As an example, a back molar is a larger tooth with more roots to remove than a front canine tooth, therefore the cost is higher for a molar.

The good news is that most dental insurance plans allow coverage for extractions and will pay a percentage of the cost. If you are looking at extracting multiple teeth, there are also companies such as CareCredit that help patients break the cost of treatment into affordable monthly payments.

Should I Replace My Tooth?

Unless your tooth is being extracted for orthodontic treatment, or it’s a wisdom tooth, it is a good idea to discuss your replacement options with your dentist. Losing a tooth impacts your daily life when you can’t chew food properly or interact with others comfortably. It also affects your oral health by resulting in shifting teeth and bone loss without a tooth replacement.

Dental implants are the gold standard choice for replacing one or multiple missing teeth because they restore both your root and your tooth. This keeps your bone healthy while restoring the function and aesthetics lost with your tooth.

Don’t let a compromised tooth affect your oral health and your life! Contact your dentist today to learn more about how a tooth extraction can help.

About the Author

For over 40 years, Dr. Franklin Boyles has been serving patients in Texas. Now, his son Dr. Stephen Boyles has joined him in the tradition of providing outstanding service and exceptional dental care to families in Odessa. The two highly skilled dentists offer comprehensive services delivered in a warm and caring setting that patients appreciate.

If you would like to contact Boyles General Dentistry, you can call our office at 432-366-0896 or contact us through our website.

A compromised tooth can cause pain or discomfort, especially when you are trying to chew and eat your favorite foods. You may also feel self-conscious about the appearance of your tooth if it is chipped, fractured, or discolored due to decay. The good news is your dentist in Odessa has excellent solutions for restoring your tooth. Here’s what you should know about options for saving your tooth.

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