There are different techniques that your dentist may use to save your teeth, but sometimes an extraction is the only solution. If the dentist needs to pull out your teeth, they may perform a simple or surgical extraction, depending on whether or not the tooth is visible. Richmond tooth extractions are usually not in the first line of treatment, but here are some reasons why an extraction may be necessary.
You have had an accident
Teeth are usually some of the first casualties during accidents. Accidents can damage your teeth, whether it is to do with a car collision or a stray baseball coming at you at record speed. Although the first option is always to preserve the teeth, sometimes the damage is too great that the teeth can’t be saved. For example, your tooth may need to be extracted if it breaks at or near the gum line. That is because there may not be enough tooth structure to which a dental crown or veneer can be attached.
Severe tooth decay
If your tooth needs to be extracted due to tooth decay, you may have avoided seeing your dentist for an exam and cleanings for years. Usually, it takes years for tooth decay to reach a point of tooth loss. The bacteria produced by the decay can infect the inner part of your tooth (pulp), causing severe toothache. In this case, your dentist may perform a root canal to remove the damaged pulp and treat the infection. However, if the infection is severe, your dentist may need to remove your tooth so that the infection does not spread.
Periodontal disease
During its early stages, treatment for gingivitis involves professional cleaning – removing tartar and bacteria from your tooth surfaces and beneath your gums. However, the advanced form of gum disease may necessitate tooth extraction. This is especially true if the periodontal ligament and alveolar bone are affected are your teeth loosen. Oral hygiene practices like brushing your teeth and visiting your dentist for routine checkups and cleanings can help prevent periodontal disease.
Impacted tooth
An impacted tooth refers to a tooth that has partially erupted or not erupted beyond the gum line. Impaction is a common case for wisdom teeth removal wa since they usually come out last when other teeth are in place. As such, your jaw may not have space to accommodate these teeth. Impacted teeth do not always cause apparent or immediate problems but can sometimes cause pain and damage other teeth. Additionally, impacted teeth are more difficult to teeth, making them susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease than other teeth. Your dentist may recommend removing the impacted teeth to lower the risk of infection and prevent them from damaging other teeth.
Crowded teeth
If you need orthodontic treatment and your teeth are severely crowded, your dentist may need to remove some of the teeth. Tooth extraction before orthodontic treatment creates more space for the other teeth to align.
Consult your provider at Juan M. Carrillo, DMD, if you have any dental issues requiring tooth extraction.