If necessary, a dentist can remove a tooth from your mouth by pulling it from its socket. They will need to cut into the gums and bone to properly remove the tooth. This procedure is known as extraction, and you can anticipate some downtime to recover effectively from this treatment.
Dentists reserve this treatment for teeth that do not respond to other types of dental solutions. You may wonder what scenarios may require this type of oral surgery. Read on to discover three reasons why your dentist might suggest a tooth extraction procedure to restore your oral health.
Problematic Wisdom Teeth
The average dental patient will see their adult permanent teeth grown into place by adolescence. But many people also have wisdom teeth, a third set of molars that start to grow after this point.
Sometimes, wisdom teeth can grow without issue. But in many cases, the jaw does not have enough room for the teeth to burst through the gums. They can become stuck or impacted, which will feel extremely painful for the patient.
This can also put the patient at high risk for infection, so dentists will need to remove problematic wisdom teeth through extraction as soon as they can. Dentists can extract all wisdom teeth necessary in one procedure.
Wisdom teeth can create other issues with your oral health too, so a dentist will often monitor their growth through x-ray imaging. Then they can intervene before they cause major problems with your smile.
Crowded Teeth
Sometimes people with narrow palates or small jaws can see overcrowding in their teeth. This can make completing typical oral functions like speaking and chewing difficult. And the teeth can push against each other to become crooked, further jeopardizing your oral health.
To prevent these dental problems and preserve your dental alignment, a dentist can extract teeth that cause overcrowding. Then they can work with you to align your teeth so that your smile appears straight and full without gaps. They might provide Invisalign to accomplish this or refer you to an orthodontist.
You can see improvements in your oral capabilities, your dental health, and your airway when you no longer have overcrowded teeth. Schedule a consult with your dentist today to learn more.
Severely Damaged Teeth
Many people will form a cavity, an early form of tooth decay, at least once in their lives. A dentist can treat this with a dental filling fairly easily. But if you do not seek prompt treatment for a cavity, the decay will advance and penetrate deep into the tooth.
This can create extensive damage, and if it progresses too much, a dentist might not be able to save the tooth. They will need to extract the tooth to stop the spread of decay. They may need to do the same thing in the case of a severely infected tooth.
Preserve your smile by seeking urgent care for any dental issues. Do not delay any recommended treatments from your dentist. And continue attending routine check-ups to ensure your smile stays healthy.