5 Reasons Why Your Tooth May Need to Be Extracted

Posted on: 20 July 2020

A tooth extraction refers to a tooth procedure where the dentist removes the tooth from its socket. Usually, the procedure is carried out by a periodontist, a general dentist, or an oral surgeon. A normal person has two sets of teeth: milk teeth and permanent teeth. Milk teeth are the first set of teeth to fall out and are replaced by permanent teeth. 

While permanent teeth are supposed to last you a lifetime, they may need to be extracted in the following instances. 

Tooth Impaction

This refers to when one of your teeth is pushing directly against another. This makes the tooth susceptible to tenderness, redness, bleeding gums, or infection. You may also be experiencing pain and swelling around the jaw, causing you difficulty in opening your mouth.

Typically, the main cause of tooth impaction is the growth of wisdom teeth. These refer to the third set of molars, which often don't have adequate room to grow upright. Instead, they grow inwards, toward the rest of your teeth. If you suspect that your wisdom teeth are growing, you should have them removed as soon as possible to prevent pain and further damage to your other teeth. 

Tooth Decay

One of the most common reasons for tooth removal is tooth decay. The build-up of plaque and tartar results in tooth decay. These deposits then eat away at the enamel of your teeth, making them brittle and weak. If this condition worsens, it can cause an infection, causing intense pain, redness and swelling.

Once the tooth has reached this point, the dentist may recommend that you remove the tooth and replace it with a dental bridge, avoiding further health concerns. 

Gum Disease or Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease refers to an infection of the periodontal ligaments, gums, alveolar bone, and other structures that surround the teeth. The earliest stage of this disease is gingivitis, which is an infection and inflammation of the gums and bones surrounding your teeth. If the condition worsens and the integrity of the gum or bone around the tooth deteriorates, the dentist will likely find it necessary to remove the tooth in favour of a dental crown to preserve the surrounding teeth. 

Overcrowding Teeth

Overcrowded teeth affect your smile. Overcrowding can be unattractive, embarrassing, and damaging. To resolve this problem, the dentist may advise a tooth extraction to create room for your teeth to align. 

Fractured Teeth

Teeth are made of bone-like tissue, which is one of the hardest substances of your body. However, it can also be fractured. Molars are more prone to fracture since they are used to chew. If a molar tooth gets fractured below the gum, your dentist can perform an extraction to resolve the problem. 

You don't have to wait until your tooth worsens before you decide to act on it. Tooth extractions may not be the only solution, but they are sometimes necessary. 

To learn more, contact a dentist.

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