One of the most terrible events that can happen to your teeth is tooth extraction. As a last resort procedure, tooth extractions take away your natural teeth, and because your natural teeth cannot grow back, they can only be replaced through restorative treatments. Pulling teeth is something we try to avoid because any effort we can make to save your teeth is better than not having any teeth at all to save. There are a lot of reasons why teeth need to be pulled. Today, we will be looking at those reasons and help you avoid getting a tooth extraction and preserve your oral health.
When Does A Tooth Need To Be Pulled?
Our goals as dentists are to not only transform your smile but also help preserve your smile as much as possible. Tooth extractions are needed in sporadic cases where the condition of the tooth isn’t savable, or that tooth is impacting your health in such a way that it needs to be pulled. Tooth extractions are preventable, but some conditions require this procedure because of the various risks associated with not pulling an infected, decaying, or dead tooth. Often, these risks include:
- Tooth Abscess: When the bacteria in your mouth builds up plaque and tartar, cavities develop. These cavities then develop into abscesses when leftover time due to how the bacteria eats away at the enamel and reaches into the dentin and pulp of the tooth. The pulp is considered the tooth’s lifeforce, and if it cannot be treated through medication and there’s too much damage present, then the tooth will need to be pulled.
- Overcrowded Teeth: When your mouth’s alignment interferes with your oral health, having overcrowded teeth can increase your risk of infections. In some cases, certain teeth will need to be pulled to prevent these complications.
- Traumatic Injury: Often, traumatic injuries to the tooth can be corrected with bonding materials and even partial restorations. However, if the tooth lacks the foundation to be properly repaired, then the remaining parts of that tooth need to be pulled out and replaced.
- Impacted Teeth: Wisdom teeth are considered the most common reason for tooth extractions because they often contribute to overcrowding and an increased risk of infection.
- Gum Disease: Worst of all, periodontal disease can loosen the sockets holding your teeth in place, and when it progresses so severely that the teeth become loose, then those teeth will need to be pulled.
Taking care of your teeth matters – as cosmetic dentists, repairing your teeth back to health is our number one priority. So, how can you best prevent tooth decay?
The Answer To Avoiding Tooth Extractions
The best answer we can provide is to brush your teeth twice a day! Planning ahead, paying attention to your dental health, and visiting your dentist each year is the best way to avoid these complications and keep your teeth healthy throughout the rest of your life. Making the commitment to brush and floss your teeth is the right thing to do, and make sure to schedule your visit ahead of time through your local dentist!
