When Tooth Extractions are Necessary
When oral hygiene hasn’t been enough to hold back the encroaching tide of tooth decay, or injury has caused trauma to a tooth that pushes it beyond repair, it may be time for an extraction. Dentist’s do everything they can to avoid extracting natural teeth. There’s no better way to protect your whole mouth oral health than maintaining your original teeth, but there are times when getting an extraction may be unavoidable.
When Tooth Decay Renders The Tooth Irreparable
When decay has advanced far enough that it has reached the dental pulp, it can cause an infection. Usually, this condition will be treated through a Root Canal Treatment, but in severe cases, this won’t be enough to protect your gums and other teeth. Extraction is done to halt the infection in its tracks and protect the health of your other teeth, gums, and jawbone.
To Counteract Advanced Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is a major condition that can attack your teeth below the gum line, leading to decay of both the tooth and the structures that hold it in place. In severe cases, your jawbone may begin deteriorating. If you have periodontal disease that has advanced far enough to cause loose teeth, an extraction may be one way your dentist can stop it from spreading.
When Impacted Teeth Can Best Be Resolved By Extraction
Impaction is a condition where a tooth is unable to fully erupt, often due to the presence of another tooth where it’s trying to come in. This is often the case with Wisdom Teeth, and in these cases, the wisdom tooth is commonly extracted to address the issue. Removing an impacted tooth helps protect neighboring teeth from damage as well as curtailing any possibility of infection from the problem tooth.
To Resolve Dental Crowding
Sometimes there isn’t enough room in a patient’s mouth for all their teeth to come in, even when wisdom teeth aren’t present. Often this can be resolved through orthodontic treatments such as braces, but on occasion, the only appropriate treatment is to remove the problem teeth. Your dentist will let you know when orthodontic treatment isn’t the correct choice and may suggest extraction as the best way forward.
When An Accident Has Caused Severe Damage To Teeth
Even in cases of trauma, a dentist’s first priority is to save your teeth without extracting them. When the damage done isn’t something the dentist can treat or repair, then the damaged teeth will have to be removed. In all cases where teeth are removed, your dentist will likely suggest a crown, bridge, or implant as a potential way to restore your full mouth health.
If you have teeth that you think might benefit from being extracted, it’s time to schedule an appointment with a professional. Dr. Batlle helps patients in the Lake City, FL area take the best steps for their oral health. Call for an appointment at Southwest Family Dentistry to see what they can do to help boost your oral health and give you a great smile.
