The decision for a tooth extraction is often a last resort in a dentist’s toolbox. In most cases, your dentist will try to save a natural tooth because the alternative could cause complications. However, there may be some scenarios where removing a tooth is the best course of action for your oral health.
If you want to see the most common reasons for tooth extraction, continue reading.
Severe Decay Killing a Tooth
The smallest form of tooth decay is a cavity. Usually, these can be treated with fillings, but sometimes a cavity grows too large and begins to harm the tooth. In this scenario, the decay could be in the pulp chamber where all the nerve endings for your tooth are.
This causes extreme pain and could lead to a nasty infection. To stop this from happening, your dentist could remove the tooth instead.
Gum Disease Causing Instability
The same bacteria that cause tooth decay can also cause gum disease. While it may seem like red gums and a little bleeding from brushing aren’t “bad” symptoms, they can get much worse. If gum disease goes untreated, it can cause the ligaments that hold your teeth in place to loosen.
If the infection spreads into your jawbone, it could cause the tooth to fall out altogether. Sometimes, to treat your gums, the tooth must be removed.
A Tooth has Broken Beyond Repair
Physical trauma like sports accidents or vehicle collisions could crack or break a tooth. Not only does this sudden impact cause a great deal of pain, but it can also invite a severe infection. If the tooth isn’t too bad, sometimes it can be repaired with a dental crown. However, other times, it’s best to extract the tooth.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth grow later in life when the jaw is full of adult teeth already. Because there’s no space, the new molars will grow at an angle or sideways—into the gums. This can cause pain in your jaw, neck, and even migraines.
Additionally, as these teeth grow in, they can press into adjacent teeth, damaging them. To prevent this, your dentist may recommend having them extracted.
As you can see, if your dentist recommends tooth extraction, it’s most likely a worst-case scenario. Dentists understand that losing a tooth can be disheartening, so they will always try to save it first. Every extraction is a carefully considered decision aimed at improving your oral health. Continue a rigorous dental hygiene routine to prevent extractions in the future.
About the Author
Dr. Bryan Villescas has been practicing dentistry with a passion for many years. He believes in the power of a healthy smile to change a life for the better. He earned his dental doctorate from the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine and has continued to stay abreast of state-of-the-art dental technology and procedures through hundreds of hours of continuing education. Call (941) 627-9900 to schedule an extraction at Caring Way Dentistry or visit the website to explore other services.