Usually when patients hear the word “extraction” from their dentist, they’re referring to their wisdom teeth – or third molars. Unfortunately, your wisdom teeth are not the only teeth that may need to be removed in your lifetime. Severe infections such as gum disease and tooth decay may raise concerns if the bacteria doesn’t respond well to other treatments. Extraction is your dentist’s last resort, of course, but when your tooth cannot be saved, it becomes necessary in order to protect your oral health. While losing your natural tooth may seem scary, rest assured – restoring the look of your natural tooth and its function is easier than ever these days.
Endangering Surrounding Teeth
Impacted wisdom teeth and infections are the largest culprits when it comes to endangering any healthy teeth that are surrounding it. Impacted wisdom teeth are trapped between your gum tissue and jawbone. It’s nearly impossible to clean them when brushing your teeth, so they’re typically more susceptible to bacteria and infection than your other teeth. However, this goes for any advanced infection – if it’s at risk for spreading, your dentist will likely remove the tooth to protect the rest of your teeth.
Physical Damage
If you’ve suffered from facial injury or trauma, your teeth may have been severely affected. It’s not uncommon for teeth to crack, chip, fracture, or even break in these situations. Quite often, damaged teeth can be restored using dental crowns or fillings. However, this isn’t always the case – especially if the tooth breaks below the gum line.
Overcrowding
Your wisdom teeth may cause your mouth to become overcrowded as there usually isn’t enough space for them to come in. On the other hand, many people have teeth that come in overcrowded from the beginning. Dentists often recommend removing teeth in these situations to create more space around your mouth – especially if you need orthodontics to help correct your bite or straighten your teeth.
Do you think your tooth may need to be extracted? Don’t hesitate to visit your dentist!
