Your dentist is likely encouraging you to properly maintain your teeth so that you can keep as many of them as possible. When a tooth is missing, the loss can cause multiple issues, such as dental migration, ineffective mastication, and an unattractive smile. Nevertheless, there are times when the removal of a tooth is necessary to preserve your dental health.
Here are a few instances when your dentist may suggest a dental extraction.
Dental Crowding
Dental crowding occurs when the teeth are too close together. The condition can cause the teeth to become misaligned. Additionally, it can make it difficult to clean the teeth properly, encouraging tooth decay.
Before a dentist applies an orthodontic treatment, if significant crowding is present, they may remove one or more teeth. The removal permits the healthy repositioning of the teeth.
Cracks Through the Roots of a Tooth
Superficial cracks may only be cosmetic, causing little harm to the actual tooth. However, once a tooth is cracked through its roots, it is not salvageable. The division of the tooth permits bacteria to enter the pulp, and the dental nerves are apt to become inflamed. Moreover, the shards of tooth material may cut the soft gingival tissues, causing irritation and possible infection. The tooth must be removed to prevent infection and further discomfort.
Once the tooth is extracted, it can be restored using a dental implant or dental bridge.
Wisdom Teeth with Crooked Growth
Dentists frequently suggest the removal of wisdom teeth that are growing in crooked configurations. Many people have too little room in their mouths for wisdom teeth to erupt properly. Others may suffer from wisdom teeth that grow sideways and may never erupt.
To prevent the wisdom teeth from pushing adjacent teeth out of their proper positions, the dentist performs wisdom tooth extractions. If the teeth have fully erupted and can be pulled from the mouth without cutting the gums, the dentist performs a simple extraction. However, if incisions in the gingival tissues are necessary, a surgical extraction is needed.
Irreparable Decay
If a decaying tooth is treated in its early stages, it may be repaired with a filling or a filling paired with a dental crown. However, in some cases, so much tooth material has been dissolved that too little material remains to salvage the tooth. In such instances, the dentist is likely to extract the tooth and suggest tooth replacement options.
To learn more about tooth extractions and why they are performed, schedule a consultation with a dentist in your local area.
Share2 May 2023
Do you care for your teeth like you should? Most people brush their teeth, but so many people rush through this process and are not as careful as they should be. Still others avoid flossing. A lack of dental care over the years can lead to increased decay. Thankfully, we have dentists who can treat decay with fillings, crowns, and in some cases, root canals. Dentists also provide preventative care. They can clean your teeth and use things like fluoride treatments to strengthen your enamel. The more you know about dental care, the better you'll be able to care for your mouth, so feel free to read some of the articles on this website.