Dentists typically treat tooth extraction as a last resort; they prefer to save teeth whenever possible so that their patients can keep their natural smiles intact. However, there are cases where removing a tooth may be the only viable option. Are you trying to figure out whether you might need a tooth extraction in the near future? Here’s a look at 5 reasons why the procedure might be necessary.
1. The Tooth is Severely Infected
If a cavity goes untreated for too long, harmful bacteria can eventually reach the pulp of the tooth, causing an infection. As the infection grows more severe, it could eventually start to spread to other parts of the mouth. It’s often possible to address a tooth infection with root canal treatment. However, if the tooth has reached the point where a root canal can no longer help, an extraction may be the only choice remaining.
2. The Tooth is Loose Due to Gum Disease
Gum disease is an infection of the soft tissues around your teeth. In its most severe stages, gum disease can start to damage the jawbone as well as the periodontal ligaments holding the teeth in place. This could ultimately result in one or more teeth coming loose. If this happens, a tooth extraction could be necessary.
3. The Tooth is Impacted
A tooth is impacted if it’s unable to completely erupt from beneath the gums. This often happens to wisdom teeth due to a lack of room in the mouth. An impacted tooth can cause a significant amount of pain, and it could increase your risk for oral health issues like cavities and gum disease; it can also push against nearby teeth, potentially damaging them. If you have an impacted tooth, it’s best to have it removed as soon as possible before it can lead to serious consequences.
4. The Tooth is Damaged Beyond Repair
When a tooth is broken in an accident, it can often be repaired with a dental crown. However, if the damage is severe enough, the tooth may no longer be capable of supporting a dental restoration. This effectively makes it impossible to repair the tooth, leaving your dentist with no choice but to extract it.
5. The Tooth is Preventing You From Having Orthodontic Work Done
Orthodontic treatment involves shifting the teeth into new positions in order to fix alignment problems. But if the teeth are too crowded together, there may not be enough room for the necessary movements. In order to create the space required for orthodontic work, one or more teeth might need to be removed.
About the Author
Dr. Viet “Vince” Tran is a graduate of the LECOM School of Dental Medicine, and he completed a dental residency program at the Orlando Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Orlando, FL. He offers a comprehensive menu of dental services, including tooth extractions for patients with teeth that are beyond saving. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Tran at Smiles of Memorial in Houston, visit his website or call (281) 493-0061.