Tooth extraction is a procedure that is performed to remove a tooth from the mouth. There are many reasons why a tooth may need to be extracted. Listed below are some of those reasons.
Severe Tooth Decay or Infection
When a tooth is too damaged or decayed to support the tooth structure, it may need to be pulled and replaced with a dental implant or other restoration solution. A severely infected tooth may also need to be extracted to prevent the spread of the infection to other teeth and the mouth as a whole.
Teeth that suffer from advanced decay often cause infection in the gums. This can cause the gums to recede and the jawbone to lose its density and strength over time. If the infection isn’t treated soon enough, it can cause more damage to the jaw and even become life-threatening if spreading throughout the body.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last permanent teeth to erupt from the gums. People who don’t have these teeth often experience no problems. However, the opposite is true for many people because the back molars usually don’t have enough room to erupt fully and grow properly. This leads to a number of oral health issues and pain. This is why it’s important to have an impacted wisdom tooth extracted when complications arise.
Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to pressure points, crowding, misalignment, and issues with surrounding teeth. This can lead to pain, infection, and damage to the underlying bone and surrounding teeth over time. Additionally, impacted wisdom teeth can become severely infected because of the lack of space in the jaw, leading to the need for an emergency extraction. Infection can be serious and even life-threatening if left untreated.
If the wisdom teeth have not erupted through the gums, they may also become trapped beneath the gums and bone. This can cause severe pain and irritation, making it hard to eat and speak normally until the teeth are extracted. While the chances of this happening are rare, it can still happen for some individuals. These cases are more common in people who have crooked or poorly positioned jaws.
Orthodontic Treatment
If a dentist or an orthodontist recommends removing a tooth, it’s important to understand why and how it will benefit the patient in the long run. Without proper orthodontic treatment, the teeth can become crowded and cause bite problems in the future. A tooth extraction can prevent these problems from ever happening by leaving enough room for the teeth to move properly. This is why most dentists will recommend having wisdom teeth extracted before braces are placed. For patients who need advanced orthodontic care, an extraction may be necessary anyway to make room for their other teeth.
If you have concerns about dental health or wish to learn more tips to improve your oral health, visit Elan Dental or call us at (919) 556-6761 and schedule an appointment.
