Why Tooth Extractions Are Necessary

With two types of tooth extractions in the form of simple and surgical, there are multiple reasons a patient might need them. Both types involve removing the tooth from its socket in the jawbone. While preserving natural teeth is ideal for patients of all ages, certain situations call for a tooth extraction.

Severe decay

One of the primary reasons for tooth extractions is severe decay. Normally, a dentist can get ahead of decay if the patient maintains their biannual appointments. When they detect decay, the dentist may perform a filling, root canal, crown, and an updated oral hygiene routine. However, sometimes, life can get in the way, and patients can skip a few appointments, allowing decay and tartar to get out of hand. If this happens, the tooth's internal structure can be severely compromised and deemed beyond repair.

Leaving a compromised tooth in the socket can lead to infections, abscesses, and gum disease. The symptoms will subside after the dentist removes the problem tooth, cleans the socket, and prescribes an antibiotic.

Tooth fractures

Tooth damage can result from more than decay. They can become fractured due to trauma, accidents, or excessive force while biting hard objects. Sometimes, fractures are obvious, causing patients to seek prompt care. Other times, patients delay treatment because they do not see the fracture, as it may be a hairline, craze, vertical, or split, meaning it is likely only available with an X-ray. These types of fractures often extend below the gum line and the pulp chamber.

This is why we suggest patients schedule an appointment with our office after experiencing trauma. Do not solely trust at-home remedies; they may only lessen pain and swelling but not address the fracture. Leaving fractures unattended can invite bacteria into the internal structure and gums, often causing unsalvageable damage.

Tooth impaction

There are cases when the tooth is not damaged but lacks the space to fully emerge above the gum line, a condition known as tooth impaction. Impacted teeth cause pain, inflammation, infection, and damage to the surrounding nerves and adjacent teeth. The dentist will recommend a tooth extraction to prevent these complications and others, such as cysts, gum disease, and the shifting of teeth. Tooth impaction can occur when wisdom teeth do not fully emerge, or malocclusion (the misalignment of teeth or jaws) occurs.

Periodontal disease

Periodontal disease, or advanced gum disease, affects the gum tissue and bone structure holding the teeth in their position. Once the disease progresses from minor to advanced, it causes irreparable damage. Sometimes, the gum tissue and jawbone become so weak that they can no longer hold the teeth into place, leading to multiple tooth extractions and likely the need for partial or complete dentures.