X
Dr. Thomas

I Want a Tooth Extraction Instead of a Crown

Posted on by .

My dentist is trying to cap a cracked tooth because she says she can save it. I need a tooth out ASAP, and I would like to schedule an urgent care appointment with another dentist. I want the tooth out. I am leaving for NY next week to visit my mom for a month, and I don’t want problems with the tooth while I am away. And I want to avoid seeing a NY dentist and getting caught up for hours at maxed out dentist’s office. Can I do a walk-in and get the tooth pulled? Thanks, Ryan M.

Hi Ryan,

Thank you for contacting Cornerstone Dentistry in Sugar Land. Dr. Thomas needs to examine and x-ray your tooth to see if it is savable. Like any conscientious dentist, even a dentist who would see you on an emergency visit would examine and x-ray your tooth and try to save it.

Can You Get a Tooth Extraction Instead of Getting a Crown?

Digital model of a dental crown vs tooth removal

A dental crown is better than extracting a tooth that a dentist can save

You can get a tooth extracted instead of getting a crown. But if a dentist can save the tooth, they recommend a crown. The benefits of keeping a generally healthy tooth outweigh the effects of removing it. Consider what happens when a tooth is missing:

  • The underlying jawbone will shrink.
  • Adjacent and opposing teeth will drift toward the space where your tooth is missing.
  • Your shifting teeth can cause problems with your bite.
  • You may develop a need for braces.
  • If you decide to replace the tooth in the future, you may require a bone graft before getting a dental implant.
  • If you opt for a partial denture or a dental bridge, either option will affect the tooth on either side of the missing one.
  • Your missing tooth may detract from your smile.

Consider allowing your dentist to place a temporary crown over your tooth and give you time to decide whether you want to keep or remove it. A well-bonded temporary crown can last several months.

Discuss your concerns with your dentist before requesting the tooth removal. You won’t regret preserving your natural tooth if an experienced dentist does it.

Sugar Land cosmetic dentist Dr. Siny Thomas sponsors this post. Read how Dr. Thomas provides patients with some of the best dental care in Sugar Land.

Is My Sinus Perforation After Wisdom Tooth Removal Healing?

Posted on by .

Young woman portraying sinus perforation after wisdom teeth extraction and possible sedation dentistryAfter an oral surgeon removed all four wisdom teeth in early August, my nose started running with yellow mucus, and my cheek was swollen. I expected some swelling, but I called the oral surgeon when the yellow discharge came out of the tooth socket. The doctor said that I had a sinus perforation and prescribed Augmentin. I returned for a CT scan, and the doctor said my sinus was still infected, so I began a Z-pack.

Now I still see draining and have some sinus pressure and pain. It all feels better, but the issue is not gone. I rinse the extraction site with a prescription product and use Flonase for my nose. Is the infection improving, or should I see an ENT? I would hate to need another surgery and am nervous about it. I require sedation, and getting sedated again makes me nervous. I don’t want my body filled with medication. Why won’t this infection go away? Thank you. Renae from Flint, MI

Renae,

Thank you for your question. Dr. Thomas would need to examine your x-ray and extraction site, but you have described some unusual concerns.

Does a Sinus Perforation Lead to Infection?

Although a sinus perforation is not uncommon after upper wisdom tooth extraction, the perforation does not automatically lead to infection. Consider factors that may have led to a sinus infection:

  • An infection in the tooth was likely lingering before the surgeon removed it.
  • Augmentin helped with the swelling, but you needed a Z-pack for the sinus infection.
  • Infection from your tooth may have entered your sinus and created another issue.

Why Do You Still Feel Sinus Pressure After Wisdom Tooth Removal?

If you feel persistent sinus pressure after wisdom tooth removal, you may need a Z-pack refill. Your surgeon may advise taking the Z-pack to prevent antibiotic resistance until it eliminates the infection. Flonase will reduce sinus inflammation, so continue taking it.

Although we do not have your dental records, your oral surgeon’s treatment seems effective. Therefore, you should not require an ENT visit or another dental surgery that involves sedation. If your situation does not improve, your oral surgeon will pursue other options or refer you to an ENT as needed. Be sure to finish any medication that the surgeon prescribes.

We wish you a steady recovery.

Dr. Siny Thomas, a Sugar Land, Texas dentist, sponsors this post. Dr. Thomas is a graduate of the surgical program of the Pikos Institute in Trinity, Florida.