Have you ever heard of a dental extraction? Simply put, this is when we remove a tooth from your mouth. Now, as dental professionals our goal is to help you maintain your natural teeth. However, in certain situations, the best way to keep your smile healthy is to actually remove a tooth. When is removing a tooth right for your smile?
Advanced Gum Disease
When a patient develops periodontitis, the advanced stage of gum disease, then the tissues connecting the teeth and gums can begin to deteriorate. We may remove a tooth to stop further damage to the bone and as part of periodontal therapy.
Infection or Damage
A dental infection or abscess can lead to serious discomfort. If alerted in a timely manner, we can often treat the problem with a root canal. However, in advanced cases we may need to remove the tooth to prevent the spread of infection to surrounding teeth or into the jawbone. Likewise, several fractured or broken teeth may need to be extracted to avoid the onset of a serious infection or abscess. Afterward, we can discuss options for replacing these teeth, such as dental implants or dental bridges.
Wisdom Teeth
Your wisdom teeth typically erupt in your late teens or early 20s. These four additional molars can cause serious problems, such as misalignment, impaction, or infection. Fortunately, we can remove them prior to eruption to help protect the alignment and health of your smile.
Misalignment
In some cases, before we can begin orthodontic treatment, we may need to remove a tooth. We can then use Invisalign or braces to help you achieve a more even and beautiful smile. If you have any questions about the circumstances when we recommend extraction, then please contact our office today.