Good oral hygiene and health can help your teeth last a lifetime, however, no matter how strong your teeth are, they are not indestructible. There may come a time when a tooth extraction becomes necessary. Getting a tooth extracted can make many people nervous, but please remember that it is done only when it is absolutely necessary. It is mainly done in case of severe infection or trauma when the tooth cannot be saved in any way and a tooth extraction is the only option left. Here are some of the reasons why your dentist may recommend a tooth extraction:
Severe tooth damage from trauma or decay
When a tooth is suffering from severe infection or decay, it may require removal. If decay or infection is detected at an early stage, it may be possible to save the tooth. A root canal procedure may help treat the infection. However, when the infection is severe and the decay reaches the pulp or the center of the tooth, extraction may be required to avoid the infection from spreading further to neighboring teeth. A serious trauma or injury can also necessitate tooth extraction. For example, when a tooth is severely cracked, chipped, or broken, and there is a risk of damage to the gums and neighboring teeth, tooth extraction becomes necessary.
Periodontal disease
Periodontal disease is mainly the result of inflammation and infection of the gums and bone surrounding and supporting the teeth. The earliest stage of periodontal disease is gingivitis in which the gums become red and swollen, and may bleed. When it becomes more serious, the condition is called periodontitis. The gums pull away from the tooth, the teeth may loosen, and in worse cases, teeth may fall out. When the tooth becomes loose, tooth extraction may be the only viable option. Other periodontal treatments may be necessary to restore the health of the gums and the supporting tooth structures.
A crowded mouth
In some cases, pulling out teeth is necessary to prepare the mouth for orthodontia in order to achieve straight teeth and a healthy smile. When someone has too much crowding to fit all the teeth or there are extra teeth, tooth extraction is an effective way to align the teeth properly.
Improper development of the teeth
If a tooth cannot erupt or break through the gum because there is no room in your mouth for it, the dentist may recommend a tooth extraction. This usually happens in the case of wisdom teeth. The abnormal development of the tooth puts it at a greater risk of becoming infected or leading to other complications such as inflammation and pain. So, the teeth with abnormal development often require extraction.
Risk infection
In people with a suppressed or compromised immune system, a risk of infection in a tooth is reason enough for tooth extraction. This often happens in the case of people undergoing an organ transplant or receiving chemotherapy. In such people, an infection can quickly turn severe and cause a lot of complications. To prevent this, tooth extraction is done to nip the problem in bud.
These are the common reasons why your dentist may recommend a tooth extraction. However, tooth extraction is often the last resort and the goal is always to preserve the tooth for as long as possible using other treatment options. Your doctor will evaluate all options and then recommend the best course of treatment for you.
