When a Tooth Extraction is Recommended
Tooth extraction is a procedure done to remove a tooth from its socket. General dentists perform the procedure as part of their dental services. The primary goal is always to save natural teeth. Still, in some cases, this may not be possible and removing the tooth offers a more significant benefit, like preventing further spread of infection. This article discusses the reasons a dental professional might recommend a tooth extraction.
The need for tooth extraction
Primary or milk teeth are the first set of teeth, but when they fall off, they are soon replaced by permanent teeth. Although permanent teeth should last a lifetime, teeth extraction may be necessary for the following reasons:
Irreparable tooth decay
Severe tooth decay can reach the inner layer of the tooth containing the pulp. The bacterial plaque responsible for decay can cause tooth infection. In this case, root canal therapy can treat the infection. However, the dentist will recommend tooth extraction if the infection is severe to stop it from spreading.
An effective solution to gum disease
Gum disease is an infection of the gums, which may go on to affect the gum, alveolar bone, periodontal ligaments and other structures supporting the teeth. Normally, the dentist will provide treatments to restore the health of the gums and supporting dental structures. Sometimes, gum disease, when neglected for long, may cause teeth to loosen in their socket. In this case, tooth extraction may be necessary.
An impacted tooth
An impacted tooth means the tooth is blocked from erupting from the gums. This is common with wisdom teeth. The dentist may recommend extracting an impacted tooth to prevent damages to other teeth. Tooth extraction can also reduce the risk of overcrowding and infection. Before making the suggestion, the dentist will examine and take x-rays of the affected area.
To resolve overcrowding
The extraction of one or more teeth on the jaw may be crucial to stopping overcrowding in the mouth. This may occur when the jaw does not have enough space to hold all of the teeth. The dentist will recommend it if the patient needs to undergo an orthodontic procedure and there is no space for the teeth to shift and realign. The dentist will check the extent of crowding, and determine how likely the teeth are to move to achieve the best dental alignment.
Severe tooth damage
After an accident like an auto crash happens, and a patient suffers dental damages, the dentist will first try to save the teeth. Veneers, bonding and crowns are all options that make a damaged tooth good as new. However, in case of severe tooth damage such as breakage close to the gum line, tooth extraction may be necessary.
In conclusion
Some of the reasons for tooth extraction are listed above. However, the general dentist will also try to save the natural teeth whenever possible. Patients should take precautions by maintaining good oral hygiene to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Also, promptly treating minor dental issues can prevent them from worsening to the point where tooth extraction is necessary.
Request an appointment here: https://davisanddingle.com or call Davis & Dingle Family Dentistry at (803) 567-1804 for an appointment in our Columbia office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Recent Posts
Denture adjustments and repairs can fix all kinds of wear and tear on your artificial teeth. They are a necessary and inevitable part of life when you have dentures.The maintenance of dentures will require one or more adjustments to keep the prosthetics in good shape. A dentist may oversee the repair of a crack or…
Dental fillings can restore teeth with minor fractures or cavities. Your general dentist can use them to enhance jaw functions by evening out dental surfaces. These restorations can also improve the appearance of the affected teeth. Understanding how dental fillings work can help you prepare well for your next appointment.This meeting is an essential first…
Simple denture repairs offer a way to restore the overall condition of your dentures after they are worn down, damaged, or outdated. This helps prevent the need for denture replacement, which can save you money and time and allow you to keep the dentures that you have grown accustomed to.Simple denture repairs explained by a…
An impression is often necessary for denture repairs, especially when the dentures are loose and do not fit comfortably while they are worn. This review discusses the purpose of an impression for a denture repair, when it is required, and when it may not be required to ensure the optimal repair of the dentures.Denture impressions…