Tooth extractions are necessary in cases in which a tooth cannot be salvaged. In some cases, a primary tooth may need to be removed if it is damaged or diseased. Wisdom teeth, also called third molars, may also need to be removed if they cannot erupt properly.
Why a Tooth Extraction is Needed
There are a number of reasons why someone may need to get a tooth extraction. The most common reason is because of tooth decay or an infection within the tooth, which can be caused by long-term neglect as well as poor oral hygiene. A twist in the tooth can be another reason for a tooth extraction. In other situations, an extraction may be needed for orthodontics when there is not enough room in the mouth for the teeth to align properly. In that case, the orthodontist may first recommend braces, and then, if a tooth extraction is necessary, it can be performed after the braces are removed.
No matter what the reason may be for tooth extraction, it is a relatively simple procedure that is done under local anesthesia and can be completed in a relatively short amount of time. Once the tooth is removed, the dentist will discuss options for replacing the extracted tooth with dental implants or bridges to fill in the gap left behind by the missing tooth.
Common Reasons for Tooth Extraction
Wisdom Teeth
Your wisdom teeth are your third molars, which usually appear between the ages of 17 and 25. These teeth often grow crooked or impacted and cause a number of oral health problems. Because of this, your dentist may recommend wisdom tooth extraction to keep your mouth healthy. If your wisdom tooth is impacted, it can damage nearby teeth and cause pain. Additionally, the tooth itself may be infected, which may require a root canal treatment before removal. Another reason for wisdom tooth extraction is crowding. If the teeth are too big for the rest of the mouth, they can push against the other teeth and be hard to clean properly. This can increase your risk for tooth decay.Â
Infection and Abscessed Teeth
A tooth can be so severely decayed that it will need to be extracted. An infection might also be the reason a tooth needs to come out. If an infection is severe enough, it can spread to the jaw or neck, causing even more damage than the tooth itself. Abscesses can also form around an impacted wisdom tooth that needs to be removed. In these cases, a dentist will need to remove the tooth and the infected surrounding tissue. Once the infection has cleared up, they will recommend replacing the tooth with a dental implant.
Tooth Fractures and Cracks
If your tooth is cracked or fractured, your dentist may recommend an extraction. The tooth may be too damaged to repair with a filling or crown alone. However, the tooth extraction will allow the dentist to restore your tooth with a permanent replacement such as a crown, bridge, or dental implant.
Call us at Rosemont Dental: (301) 663-1144 or schedule an online appointment with the dentist in Frederick to know more.
