One of the top priorities of the dental profession is the preservation of patients’ natural teeth. However, the removal of one or more troubled teeth is sometimes necessary to protect the health of the rest of the mouth, and your dentist will only recommend extraction if no other option is available. Here’s a brief guide to a few reasons why tooth extraction may be necessary to keep your mouth healthy.
Severe Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is an insidious threat that begins as a pre-cavity spot that can usually be reversed with improved care and hygiene. However, the infection will only get worse after a cavity has formed unless it is treated by a qualified dental professional. While cavities can typically be addressed with dental fillings in their early stages, the tooth will eventually be too decayed to be saved if the infection is allowed to progress for too long.
Allowing a severely decayed tooth to remain in its place can lead to the infection spreading to other teeth and oral tissues, and it may also lead to dangerous secondary infections like sepsis. In cases like this, it is typically best for a dentist to remove the compromised tooth and recommend a suitable replacement.
Irreparable Injury
If the tooth is injured in such a way that leaves the soft pulp tissue inside it exposed to air and the oral environment, it may be too damaged to be saved. While dentists can often address this issue with restorative treatments like dental crowns, there are cases where it is necessary to remove the injured tooth to prevent severe pain and infections that would be inevitable otherwise.
The Mouth Does Not Have Enough Room
Sometimes, people are born with mouths too small to accommodate all their teeth. If your mouth does not have enough room, it may be necessary to remove one or more teeth to avoid issues like crowding, dental injuries, misalignments, and oral infections. In some cases, it is even necessary to remove a few teeth so the mouth has enough space for orthodontic appliances to be able to make the proper movements during the realignment process.
Tooth extractions are only performed after the patient receives an appropriate anesthetic to ensure their comfort, and they can prevent a host of severe oral health problems. If your dentist recommends extraction, you can rest assured that receiving one is in your best interest.
About the Author
Dr. Laura Gramse earned her dental degree at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and develops her skillset further by participating in continuing education coursework. She is a proud member of the American Dental Association, the Massachusetts Dental Society, and the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine. Her offices in Springfield and Palmer offer general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. To learn more about the tooth extraction process, contact her practice online.