Tooth Extraction
Tooth extraction is only performed when other treatments are not successful in saving the tooth. Procedures such as dental fillings, crowns, and other treatments are first considered before reaching the point of pulling a tooth.
In some cases, extracting a tooth is necessary to keep a healthy mouth and for the patient’s comfort. Usually, this happens after a traumatic injury of the mouth. Delaying treatment for oral health issues can also lead to a need for extraction.
Situations Where Tooth Extraction is Performed
#1 Excessive Decay
When a cavity has been ignored for too long, pulling the tooth may be the only option.
#2 Impacted Wisdom Tooth
Having wisdom teeth does not necessarily mean you need an extraction. However, some people don’t have enough room for wisdom teeth to erupt. This causes the wisdom tooth to grow at an odd angle or become impacted. It can cause pain, infection and can push other teeth out of their place.
One of the most common oral surgery procedures is the removal of the impacted wisdom tooth. The dentist will assess your condition by performing an x-ray of your mouth.
#3 Overcrowding
Overcrowded and crooked teeth are first treated with braces or Invisalign. However, in severe cases, where there is not enough space for all the teeth, extraction is necessary before teeth alignment treatment is performed. Tooth removal makes braces effective as it gives enough room for the teeth to rest along the jawline.
#4 Failed Root Canal Treatments
Teeth with pulp infections and severe fractures are managed with root canal treatments. However, some teeth are beyond repair, especially if the infection was untreated for a long time and nerve damage has already occurred.
In cases like this, tooth extraction is necessary to prevent the spread of infection to surrounding teeth. Also, at this point most infected teeth have become extremely painful, and relief is only achieved after the tooth is pulled.
#5 Lost Bone Mass Due to Gum Disease
Sometimes teeth can look perfectly fine yet removal is necessary. This happens with a severe case of periodontal disease. When gum disease advances to a severe level, the infection can wear away the jaw bone. The teeth become loose when enough bone is lost.
After an extraction, gum treatments are performed to start strengthening bone health. Once healed, you can undergo alternative treatments to restore the lost bone, such as bone grafting, to prepare for tooth replacement options like implants.
#6 Major Dental Injuries
Dental crowns are perfect for covering up teeth with minor chips and cracks. In a major tooth injury, the break involves the structures down to the roots. When teeth are broken at the gum line, they lose enough support to prevent a dental crown from being an option.