When Is A Tooth Extraction Necessary?
A tooth extraction is never fun, but unfortunately it is necessary in some cases. Your dentist will work hard to save a tooth by way of a root canal and crown. However, there are some other instances in which teeth need to be extracted. Here are some times when your dentist may need to extract one or more teeth:
Major Decay
When a tooth is decayed beyond repair, your dentist will likely need to remove it to avoid pain and damage to the surrounding teeth. In some cases, a tooth may look completely normal on the outside, but be completely decayed inside. If you do not get the tooth taken care of, the outside will eventually break and you will be left with exposed roots and an unattractive smile. When your dentist tells you a tooth is too decayed for repair, plan to have it extracted.
Tooth Damage
If you break or damage a tooth in an accident or through some other trauma, it is possible the tooth will need to be extracted. While a dentist can repair some teeth, there is sometimes no other alternative than to pull the tooth. When your tooth is traumatized, the roots can be damaged, leaving the tooth to eventually die and fall out on its own. Instead, you can create a plan with your dentist and orthodontist to pull the damaged tooth and have it replaced with an implant to restore your smile.
Teeth Crowding
If your teeth are taking up too much room in your mouth and causing a problem with your bite, your dentist may elect to extract some of the teeth. This occurs in people who have a smaller mouth, and the crowding can shift the teeth to a point where they become crooked. The dentist can remove one or more teeth to help the teeth shift back into their typical position and improve your bite.
Gum Disease
If you have gum disease, you may have to have some teeth extracted at some point. Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, can cause the teeth to become loose. As time goes on, the gums will be too weak to hold the teeth and they will fall out. Rather than dealing with that, your dentist may want to extract those teeth. Then you can decide on a tooth replacement option, such as dentures or implants if your gums are strong enough.
Contact a dentist in your area in order to learn more about how to keep your teeth strong and what to expect when it comes to a tooth extraction.