Nobody likes to hear from their dentist that they need to have a tooth removed. But sometimes tooth extraction is the best option to preserve your overall dental health. While your dentist will do what she can to save your tooth whenever possible, there are certain circumstances in which she will recommend tooth extraction as the preferred option.
Here are five reasons why a tooth extraction may be necessary:
- Severe tooth decay.
Mild to moderate tooth decay can usually be removed and repaired with dental fillings. When tooth decay is severe however, it may not be possible to repair. Since decay from one tooth can spread to the teeth around it, your dentist may recommend extraction in order to prevent infection and to protect surrounding teeth.
- Periodontal disease.
Also known as gum disease or gingivitis, this disease is caused by bacteria affecting the gums. Periodontal disease can cause inflammation and bleeding – and in severe cases, it can cause the teeth to become loose. If this happens, you dentist may recommend tooth extraction.
- Impacted wisdom teeth.
Wisdom teeth usually emerge around the teenage years to the early twenties. In many cases these molars become impacted and may affect the health of the other teeth. If you do not have enough room for your wisdom teeth – or if they are impacted – there is a good chance that your dentist will recommend that they be removed.
4. Overcrowding.
Sometimes a patient’s jaw is simply too small to accommodate all of their teeth easily. As a result, teeth become overcrowded and crooked. Particularly if you are undergoing orthodontic treatment to straighten your teeth, your dentist may recommend that some teeth be removed to help you achieve the desired result.
- Trauma.
Finally, it may be necessary to have a tooth extraction if a tooth is broken or damaged as a result of trauma. This trauma could be the result of a car accident or even just biting down too hard on an un-popped kernel of popcorn. Of course, your dentist will first try to save the tooth, but this isn’t always possible and extraction may be needed.
At Sapphire Dental, our team is experienced in both simple and complex tooth extractions. And while it’s a diagnosis that patients may not like to hear, we are committed to making the process as safe and as comfortable as possible.