With the many preventive, restorative and cosmetic dentistry options available, tooth extraction is often a dentist’s last resort. In most cases, a tooth can be treated with a root canal, a crown placed on it, or the tooth can be restored with bonding or veneers. However, there are situations where tooth extraction is necessary to improve the patient’s oral and general health.
The five most common reasons dentists recommend tooth extraction are:
.Tooth decay
.Gum disease
.Crowded teeth
.Impaction
.Trauma
So, does your tooth really need to be extracted? Or would another form of treatment work?
1) Tooth Decay
Tooth decay, also known as cavities, occurs when plaque and tartar erode tooth enamel. Over time, this punches holes in the tooth and exposes the more sensitive inner parts of the tooth. This is what causes tooth sensitivity and toothache.
Dentists catch cavities early when patients visit the dentist at least twice a year. The dentist will likely recommend a dental filling to repair and restore the tooth. If the cavity progresses further, the dentist may recommend an inlay, onlay, dental crown, or root canal.
Unfortunately, some patients delay getting treatment until it’s too late to save the natural tooth. These visits often result in emergency dentist visits, as the pain is so intense in the end. Severe pain with swelling and redness typically indicates that the tooth is infected. Tooth extraction will likely be needed to stop the pain and infection.
2) Gum Disease
Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss. Also known as periodontal disease, this inflammatory condition affects the hard and soft supporting structures in the mouth.
The first and most common stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. The first sign of gingivitis is usually bleeding gums when brushing or flossing. Patients may also experience swollen and irritated gums and persistent bad breath. The good news is that at this stage the disease is reversible with good oral hygiene and regular dental cleanings.
Unfortunately, if not treated, the disease will progress and become very destructive for the gums and jawbone. As the bacteria eat the gum tissue, the tooth roots are exposed and the bacteria infiltrate the jawbone. The teeth will likely be very loose and almost ready to fall out on their own.
It is important to receive professional dental care so that the tooth can be extracted by a good dentist in a clean and safe environment. The dentist will also be able to treat periodontal disease and create a plan for restoring your mouth to health.
3) Crowded Teeth
Overcrowding occurs when the jaws are not large enough to remove all of a person’s permanent teeth. This causes the teeth to erupt at different angles and overlap each other. Typically, dentists will recommend tooth extraction before braces for patients who want to straighten their teeth. Strategically removing a tooth or two can give the rest of the teeth the room they need to move into their proper positions.
4) Impaction
Another thing that can happen when the jaw is too small is impaction. This means that one or more teeth will not emerge from the gums, but will grow sideways into neighboring teeth. Impaction mostly affects wisdom teeth, so these teeth are extracted very often.
Symptoms of an impacted tooth include swollen gums, pain and discomfort, unexplained headaches, and teeth that change. When a tooth is impacted, it must be extracted to relieve pain and reduce the risk of infection.
5) Trauma
Car accidents, sports injuries, or even something as simple as falling can cause a tooth extraction. Any trauma to the tooth can cause the tooth to loosen, crack or chip. Whether the tooth needs to be extracted depends on the extent of the damage.
A tooth that has been damaged down to the roots may need to be extracted so that the infection does not develop and spread. However, in some cases, a tooth bonding or dental crown seals the natural tooth, protecting it from bacteria while keeping the tooth intact.
Find an Experienced, Reliable Dentist
The key to a comfortable tooth extraction experience is to find an experienced and reliable dentist. Ask friends and family, read online reviews, and research to find the best dentist for your needs. Look for a dentist who uses the latest dental technology and reliable techniques and puts patient comfort first.
