Warning Signs You Need a Tooth Extracted
Having a tooth extracted is not a procedure anyone looks forward to. However, there are times when it’s the best treatment option. Here are the warning signs that a tooth extraction may be in your future:
Severely Damaged Tooth
In cases when a tooth is deeply cracked, chipped, fractured or decayed you may need to have the tooth extracted. This may be the case when a crown or inlay isn’t sufficient to restore integrity to the structure of the tooth. Extensive cavities are a common cause of tooth damage leading to extraction. Preventing dental caries with good oral hygiene and getting cavities filled while they are still small can help you avoid tooth removal.
Loose Teeth
Gum disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss. Once periodontitis has reached an advanced stage, it may not be possible to keep teeth from shifting and eventually falling out. You might have significant difficulty chewing because your gum and jaw bone have deteriorated too far to hold teeth firmly in place. You might also experience sensitivity or pain in these teeth as the gums recede and expose the roots. If your periodontist determines that one or more teeth cannot be saved, you may be scheduled for tooth extraction prior to replacement with dentures or dental implants.
Tooth Abscess
Tooth abscesses (infection of the tooth pulp and root) can often be treated with a root canal. However, not all root canals are effective. The infection may persist or spread, even with more extensive endodontic procedures like removing the tip of the tooth root. In some cases, tooth extraction is the only remaining option to get the abscess under control.
Pretreatment for Orthodontics
Do you have crooked and crowded teeth? Orthodontists have limited options for creating more space in the mouth of adult patients since the jaw is already fully formed. You might have to choose between keeping all your teeth and having straight teeth. Your orthodontist may recommend getting a tooth extracted by your general dentist or an oral surgeon before you are fitted with braces to move the rest into proper alignment.
Wisdom Tooth Issues
Wisdom teeth are some of the most commonly removed teeth. Sometimes, wisdom teeth are taken out as a preventive measure. The goal is often to limit the risk of cavities and periodontitis in the back of the mouth since wisdom teeth can be hard to keep clean. If there’s not enough room in your mouth for the wisdom teeth to come in, your dentist may recommend tooth extraction to prevent crowding. Symptoms that mean you need a wisdom tooth extracted soon include gum irritation and inflammation, tooth pain or a cyst around the tooth.
Infection Prevention
Dental infection such as a tooth abscess can be a serious hazard for patients undergoing chemotherapy or receiving an organ transplant. Infections can quickly get out of control when your immune system is suppressed. If you are in one of these high risk groups, your physician may recommend removal of a tooth that could potentially become infected – even if it appears to be healthy right now.
