When is an Extraction Necessary?

“You need to get your teeth extracted!”

This is definitely one of the most dreaded sentences to come out of a dentist’s mouth. While most of the time, we as your dentist, will try our best to save your pearly whites, there are some instances where tooth removal becomes our only option. There are several reasons and situations where tooth removal becomes necessary. This blog will explore different scenarios where tooth extractions are necessary.

1. Decayed tooth

When dental cavities destroy a large portion of the tooth, then it becomes impossible to restore it with the help of fillings and dental crowns. In such cases, your dentist in Huntsville, Alabama, may recommend teeth extraction followed by replacement with the help of a dental bridge or dental implants.

2. Dental abscess

At times, the bacteria can travel to the tooth’s root, where it also infects the bone and leads to the formation of a pus-filled cavity known as a dental abscess. In the presence of a dental abscess, tooth extraction becomes essential to prevent further progression and complications.

3. Loose teeth

Loose teeth are a result of gum diseases such as periodontitis. Teeth become loose when the supporting structure, such as the jaw bone, is destroyed. In such cases, teeth removal becomes essential.

4. Fractured teeth

Fractured teeth can be a result of trauma or injury to the face. In some cases, fractured teeth can be saved when it only involves the upper portion. However, extraction remains the only option if the fractured piece is in the roots or the teeth have been split into two parts.

5. Wisdom teeth

Wisdom teeth or the third molars are the large back teeth and the last to erupt in the oral cavity. Wisdom teeth tend to erupt at unusual angles. Sometimes, they may have no space to come out, and they become embedded in the bone. They can get affected with dental cavities or become a part of another dental illness. Third molars can also get involved with some oral pathology, like dental cysts. They may be a cause of pain and swelling. In any such situation, your dentist at Valley Wide Dental will recommend wisdom tooth extraction in Huntsville.

6. For orthodontic purposes

If you are undergoing orthodontic treatment for teeth straightening, your orthodontist may advise teeth removal. Most commonly removed teeth for orthodontic purposes are the 1^st or the 2^nd premolars. Teeth removal in such cases is essential to create space in the oral cavity for proper alignment of the front teeth.

7. Over retained milk teeth

Milk teeth are supposed to fall off on their own with time, and generally, all milk teeth are replaced by permanent teeth by the age of 10 years. However, in some cases, milk teeth may still be attached to the gums even after the eruption of adult teeth. This can create problems with alignment and sometimes can be involved with dental decay. In such cases, tooth extraction of the over-retained milk teeth is advised.

These are some of the most common reasons for tooth extraction. We hope you found this blog helpful. However, if you have any more questions or would like to schedule an appointment with us at Valley Wide Dental, please reach out to us. Our team of exceptional dental professionals will be there to assist you in your journey to better oral health.