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At first glance, you may think tooth removal is simply awful. Isn’t it better for you (and your smile) to always keep your natural teeth? However, the truth is that you could need a tooth extraction for various reasons. The procedure sometimes protects your oral health, keeping it from getting worse. If you need proof of these claims, just keep reading to learn four reasons a person may need a tooth extraction.
Severe Gum Infection
Even if nothing is wrong with a tooth, removing it could still be the better option. That’d likely be the case if you suffer from a very severe case of gum disease.
The problem is that highly infected gums tend to recede. In doing so, the teeth they’re meant to keep secure can become loose and unstable. Rather than having you face this effect, a dentist will often suggest extracting the loosened tooth as an alternative. This second choice would increase your comfort and combat your infection.
An Infected Tooth (or Teeth)
While dentists can often save infected teeth with root canals, sometimes they can’t. They’ll advise tooth removal in those latter cases to prevent worse outcomes.
You see, an untreated tooth infection is a big health threat. Leaving it alone lets harmful bacteria spread and infect other body parts, causing severe problems. Extracting the infected tooth when it can’t be saved would keep your smile as stable as possible. In contrast, doing nothing would put you at risk of jawbone loss, a stroke, or even sepsis.
Overly Damaged Teeth
Many damaged teeth can be repaired with dental crowns or fillings. Even so, those with irreparable damage will usually need an extraction.
The fact is that restorative dentistry only works for relatively intact teeth. When a tooth is simply unsalvageable after a fall or crash, dental crowns or fillings just won’t cut it. It’ll then need an extraction so a suitable replacement – often a dental implant – can be placed.
An Overcrowded Smile
If your smile is overcrowded with teeth, you’ll likely need a tooth extraction at some point. The treatment would ensure you avoid some major health complications.
Note that some mouths simply aren’t big enough for all their teeth. Without some kind of removal work, these kinds will suffer from tooth impactions, crooked smiles, and worse. A tooth extraction is suitable to prevent such outcomes, as it’ll allow other teeth to erupt properly and safely.
Given the points above, you may need a tooth extraction at some point. Find out for sure by consulting your local dental provider!
About the Practice
College Hill Dental is based in Eugene, OR. Led by the committed Dr. Ivan Paskalev, our practice strives to meet your every smile-related need. We do so by offering preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatments tailored to your grin, as well as same-day emergency appointments. This setup ensures you and your family get the stellar dental care you deserve! For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (541)-485-0272.