No one is excited to have a tooth extracted. However, sometimes, they are necessary to preserve the health of the rest of your smile. They will only be recommended by your dentist if absolutely necessary, so there will always be a good reason. There are various issues that could lead to the need for an extraction. Here are some of the most common reasons why patients need to have a tooth pulled.
Progressed Tooth Decay
If you have tooth decay that has become very deep, it will eventually reach the center of the tooth, also called the “pulp.” The bacteria that are produced by decay can invade the pulp, causing an infection. In some cases, root canal treatment may be able to save an infected tooth. However, if it is too far progressed, an extraction may be required to prevent the spread of infection to other areas of the body. While decay can be painful at first, if the infection kills the nerves on the inside of the tooth, pain can subside, but this doesn’t mean you are in the clear. Treatment is still necessary to prevent further complications.
Periodontal Disease
This is an infection of the gum tissue, periodontal ligaments, alveolar bone, and other structures that surround the teeth. This is caused by the bacteria present in dental plaque – that sticky, white film that forms on your teeth after eating. When periodontal disease becomes severe, it can loosen your teeth and cause you to need an extraction if they aren’t salvageable.
Impacted Teeth
When a tooth is blocked from completely erupting, this means that it is impacted. This is the most common with wisdom teeth, or the 3rd molars. Having these teeth extracted is very common to prevent an impacted tooth from damaging surrounding teeth. This can also help to lower the risk of infection and overcrowding in the mouth.
Overcrowding
When there isn’t enough room in the mouth for all of the teeth, an extraction of one or more may be necessary. This is sometimes recommended when a patient undergoes orthodontic treatment so the teeth have plenty of room to move around and realign.
After an Accident/Injury
If a patient has been in an accident or injury and their teeth have been damaged, preserving the teeth is always the preferred option. However, when damage is too severe, extractions could be necessary. Tooth replacement options can be discussed to fill in the gaps.
Extractions are very common, so if you need one, you have nothing to worry about. Sometimes, they are the ideal solution to help restore your smile to health!
About the Practice
At Capron Park Dental, we have a team of skilled dentists serving patients in the Attleboro community. With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything they need under one roof. To learn more about tooth extractions or to schedule an appointment, visit our website or call (508) 222-5950.
