When is Tooth Extraction Necessary?

Tooth extraction is necessary when a tooth is severely damaged and cannot be saved. Extraction may also be recommended for certain dental conditions. They include:

Tooth Decay

If tooth decay has progressed far enough, it may need to be treated with a tooth extraction in order to prevent it from spreading and causing more severe damage to teeth and gum tissues. 

If you have sudden tooth pain or if your discomfort does not subside within a day or two of your injury, you should contact your dentist right away for treatment. Your dentist can examine your mouth and take X-rays to determine the cause of the pain and if extraction is necessary. 

Broken Tooth

There are many reasons why a tooth may become broken, including biting down on a hard piece of food or falling victim to a car accident. No matter the cause, it’s important to seek treatment as quickly as possible so that your tooth can be restored and your pain can be relieved. If the damage is beyond repair, then the tooth might need to be extracted.

Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to erupt within the mouth, usually between the ages of seventeen and twenty-five. When they align properly and gum tissue is healthy; wisdom teeth do not have to be removed. Unfortunately, this does not generally happen. The extraction of wisdom teeth is necessary when they are prevented from properly erupting within the mouth. They may grow sideways, partially emerge from the gum, and even remain trapped beneath the gum and bone. Impacted teeth can take many positions in the bone as they attempt to find a pathway that will allow them to erupt successfully. These poorly positioned impacted teeth can cause many problems.

They can damage adjacent teeth by causing them to shift position. Poor alignment of remaining teeth can lead to long-term periodontal disease. The most serious problem occurs when tumors or cysts form around the impacted wisdom teeth, resulting in the destruction of the jawbone and healthy teeth. Removal of the offending impacted tooth or teeth usually resolves these problems. Early removal is recommended to avoid such future problems and to decrease the surgical risk involved with the procedure.

Orthodontics

Some patients come to us with the goal of correcting their bite, and this can be achieved with orthodontic care. However, not all patients require orthodontic treatment. In fact, most patients with alignment issues can be treated without braces or Invisalign aligners.

If a patient comes to us because of malocclusion or an improperly aligned jaw, we may recommend non-surgical extractions. This will involve removing one or more teeth to make room for the jaws to align properly. Non-surgical extractions allow the patient to avoid feeling self-conscious about wearing braces, but it is still important that they seek treatment for their misalignment in order to avoid future problems with the teeth and gums.

At Millpond Family Dental in Cary, NC, we provide the best dental care using advanced technology. Call us at (984) 465-1544 to learn more.