Archives for October 2023

Root Canal or Tooth Extraction?

Posted on October 27, 2023 by writeradmin.

I have a back left first molar that has an infection. My choices are a root canal treatment or an extraction and replacement. My dentist says if I replace it, I really need to get a dental implant there because there is no molar behind it. I am wondering if there is a cheaper replacement, such as a snap on smile type of thing that can cover the area.

Evelyn

Dear Evelyn,

If you do not have a tooth behind your first molar it means you have also lost your second molar. Without either of those teeth, you will have not way to chew. As I don’t think you are looking forward to a life with a liquid diet, you will need some type of teeth back there.

A snap-on smile is more of a temporary cosmetic solution if you need a quick fix for something like a job interview or a school reunion but do not have enough money for a permanent cosmetic procedure. This will not replace your teeth and will not be a solution on your situation.

The cheapest tooth replacement option will be a removable partial denture. However, this also would not work in your case. With any removable option, you need some teeth to anchor it to on both sides. You only have teeth on one side. It would be a bit like trying to eat on the left side of a table like the one pictured above. That is not going to work out well for you.

Your only two viable options are what your dentist suggested. Either get a root canal treatment or extract it and replace it with a dental implant. To me, the root canal treatment makes more sense. It is less expensive and you still have a natural tooth.

I hope this helps. This blog is brought to you by Decatur, AL Dentists Drs. Drake and Wallace.

Teething or Something More Serious?

Posted on October 11, 2023 by writeradmin.

My toddler has swollen gums, is not eating well, and has a fever. I’m a new mom and have teen talking to experienced moms and looking things up, but it seems like everything contradicts each other. One mom told me that this is due to teething and I should cut my toddler’s gums to make it easier for her teeth to come in. That idea terrifies me. I called a pediatric dentist’s office and they said that a fever is not from teething. I called the doctor’s office but they are booked up for three days. She is miserable. What do you think? Is it teething or should I take her to the emergency room?

Amanda

Dear Amanda,

I am going to start off by saying that you should not cut your child’s gums. When it comes to baby teeth, there are specifc designs in our body to bring those teeth in at the right time. If you shortchange that process, then it is possible the roots of her new teeth will not be fully developed and her teeth will sufer.

There is a slightly different approach when it comes to adult teeth. As she gets older, if her adult teeth are coming in but her baby teeth are not loose enough to come out, you need to get her in to see a pediatric dentist and have him or her help with their removal. If you don’t, then she will end up with overcrowding and need braces.

As for the fever, yes, teeth can cause a mild temperature. If she has a high fever, than it would be something else. A mild fever is fairly common with teething and I have no idea why your dentist said it wasn’t. Other symptoms would include fussiness, drooling, loss of appetite, and difficulty sleeping.

This blog is brought to you by Decatur, AL Dentists Drs. Drake and Wallace.