When a Tooth Extraction Necessary for Your Oral Health

You may need a tooth extraction to improve your oral health. Preserving teeth is the primary goal of dentists. But there are cases when removing the tooth is important in achieving good dental health. Here are the details on when it is necessary for one’s oral health to get a tooth extraction.

When there is severe decay or damage

Tooth extraction may be the ideal solution to keep one’s dental health intact if the tooth is not repairable anymore. Extensive dental decay weakens the tooth’s structure. The impact can result in significant damage that can extend below the gumline and into the jawbone. This can result in severe infection and pain. The dentist will need to remove the tooth to make sure that the damage does not worsen.

Dental decay results in cavities. Studies show that this problem can worsen over time; if they do not get early treatment, the level of decay can reach the deeper parts of the tooth. The dentist may try to repair the tooth with a root canal. However, if the damage is too severe, a tooth extraction may be necessary. This procedure will prevent the infection from seeping into the bloodstream.

When wisdom teeth become problematic

Third molars or wisdom teeth often erupt when all the other teeth have already emerged. Most dentists recommend removing them because most jaws do not have enough space. An extensive tooth extraction should happen before these teeth start causing problems. Some people have impacted third molars. These teeth are prone to infection. They also cause pain and damage to neighboring teeth. These teeth can interrupt the alignment of the other teeth. But if the wisdom teeth emerge well and the jaw has enough space, the dentist will not suggest extracting them.

When one has advanced gum disease

This condition develops when the supporting dental structures around the tooth are already gone due to severe infection. Severe periodontitis can result in tooth loosening. The dentist will suggest a tooth extraction at this point. This surgery will prevent the infection from spreading to the neighboring gums and teeth.

When there is misalignment or overcrowding

The dentist may also suggest a tooth extraction when there is overcrowding. This type of surgery often happens prior to and alongside any teeth straightening treatment. Removing at least one tooth can provide enough space for the teeth to align. The result is a functional, even bite.

The dentist will schedule the surgery, especially if the patient has more than two teeth to remove. Two teeth will come first. Any subsequent teeth will be extracted after the gums heal. The patient must take the necessary medications and follow the dentist’s aftercare instructions.

When there are baby teeth that will not let go

Sometimes, some of the first set of “baby teeth” may linger. This prevents permanent teeth from emerging. The dentist will perform a simple tooth extraction to remove the baby teeth. This will then allow the child’s underlying teeth to emerge into their proper positions.