Dentists provide several treatment options for their patients. Some standard procedures include bonding, root canals, and veneers. Among the treatments, tooth extraction is the last option since the goal of every dentist is to keep your teeth as intact as possible. However, there are some cases when tooth extraction becomes necessary. 

A skillful dentist will know when it is time to perform a tooth extraction. Before everything else, once you feel a throbbing pain, the first course of action should be to book an appointment with your trusted dentist. To get an idea of whether it may be time for you have your tooth extracted, read on below to learn the five reasons tooth extraction is necessary.

 

1. Tooth damage due to severe decay

 

A tooth can reach the point of becoming irreparable due to severe decay. When tooth decay reaches the pulp or the center of the tooth, the bacteria will start to take over the whole tooth, which will lead to an infection. Before resorting to extraction, a dentist may help save the tooth through a root canal procedure. However, if an infection pushes through despite the root canal, the dentist will decide to extract the affected tooth.

 

2. Tooth loss due to periodontal disease

 

The periodontal disease mainly affects the gums as well as the periodontal ligaments and alveolar bone. This disease is caused by bacteria that form a dental plaque. The plaque causes an infection that may result in the loosening of a tooth. When this happens, tooth extraction is a possible dental option. 

 

3. To relieve an impacted tooth

 

One of the most severe cases of dental health is an impacted tooth, which happens when a tooth gets stuck within a set of gums. Since the wisdom tooth cannot come out, it causes severe pain and may result in damaging other teeth. Because of this, the dentist may proceed with the extraction to lower the risk of infection that is caused by the impacted tooth.

 

4. Overcrowding of teeth

 

Some patients may experience overcrowding when two or more teeth start to grow within the same area. For other patients, congestion can result in pain. Other patients, however, prefer to prevent overcrowding for aesthetic purposes. Dentists perform an extraction for patients with braces who may need some displaced teeth removed. It will result in a better-looking set of teeth as the other teeth will slowly shift into position.

 

4. To help patients undergoing chemotherapy

 

A less common issue is when patients need to undergo chemotherapy or an organ transplant. Patients who require significant procedures such as chemo also need to undergo a tooth extraction. The purpose is to get rid of any compromised teeth that may cause an infection during the procedure.  

Conclusion 

A tooth extraction should be a procedure undertaken as a last resort, as it’s always best to preserve your teeth first. A tooth should only be extracted if necessary, such as in the cases mentioned above. The best course of action for you is to take good care of your oral health by brushing your teeth and gums. 

If you are in need of a tooth extraction treatment, get in touch with us today to see how we can help.

Posted in Dental News & Advice