While dentists will often do everything possible to save a tooth no matter the age of the patient, there are some situations where tooth extraction is necessary. When it comes to removing teeth, there are two different types of extractions a dentist or oral surgeon can use depending on the reason for removal: Simple extraction and surgical extraction.
A simple extraction can be used when the tooth is already fully emerged past the gum line and can be easily removed using forceps. A surgical extraction involves cutting into the gums to retrieve a tooth, usually because it is impacted. Here are some common reasons a patient might need to have either a simple or surgical extraction performed.
A dentist might suggest pulling a patient’s tooth because of infection or overcrowding in the mouth. Continue reading to learn more about each of these reasons for a tooth extraction.
Fillings or root canal treatment can often treat minor cases of tooth decay, but severe deterioration can warrant the need for extraction. This situation often occurs if the patient has not had a dental exam in a while and the decay has gone untreated for a long period of time. Eventually, the decay can extend to the pulp of the tooth leading to an infection.
If the infection is too severe to be treated by root canal therapy, the extraction of the tooth is necessary to keep the infection from spreading. Gum disease is another type of infection that causes the degeneration of the bones and tissues surrounding a tooth. If not addressed early on, these structures can deteriorate to the point that the tooth either falls out or needs to be pulled.
If teeth are severely misaligned or overcrowded, it might be necessary to pull teeth to open up space in the mouth or to make an opening for an impacted tooth. Most often, the removal of the tooth or teeth is combined with orthodontic treatment. Braces are used after the tooth is removed to further expand the jawbone and balance the bite.
An impacted tooth is one that has been blocked from emerging from the gums and is often discovered during a dental X-ray. Some impacted teeth will eventually break through the gums without treatment; also, removing baby teeth or orthodontic treatment can sometimes allow the teeth to come in properly. Other times, tooth extraction is necessary if the teeth are unable to erupt through the gums on their own. Often, surgical extraction is used on wisdom teeth or maxillary canines that cannot be guided to the correct position.
Typically, a dentist will do everything possible to preserve a tooth if possible before choosing to extract it. However, if the patient is suffering due to an infection of the tooth or gums it might be necessary to quickly remove the tooth to avoid even more harm from occurring. If teeth are overcrowded or impacted, a treatment plan can be made to determine if a tooth extraction is the best line of action.
Request an appointment here: https://www.drericjohnson.com or call Dr. Eric Johnson at (949) 205-1139 for an appointment in our San Clemente office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Tooth Extraction in San Clemente, CA.
The idea of having to get a tooth extraction may spark anxiety in patients, however, they are often necessary in order to restore good oral health. While the extraction itself can cause discomfort, the part that patients should get familiar with is the healing process. After the procedure is complete, the wound will have to…
Tooth extraction is a procedure done to remove a damaged or potentially problematic tooth. Like every dental procedure, the wound created by the extraction process heals over time with proper care. The dentist will provide the necessary aftercare instructions to follow.Aside from using the recommended medications and resting adequately, there are certain things to avoid…
After a tooth extraction procedure, it is important to follow the aftercare tips provided by the dentist to ensure full healing and prevent complications. The first few days after the treatment are crucial, and a quick recovery will mean that you can resume your normal activities as soon as possible. This article highlights a few…
Tooth extraction is a relatively common procedure as teeth become decayed, which results in a need for removal. Many people who are living with problematic teeth automatically assume that these teeth need to be extracted from the mouth, however, sometimes they can be salvaged by a general dentist. It is good to know when a…
ClearCorrect includes a consultation visit, customized aligners that the patient wears, and an aftercare process…
It is also prone to cracks and fractures, especially in the presence of hot and…
A family dentist treats patients of a wide range of ages, helping them to maintain…
Oral cancer can occur in any part of the oral cavity, including the lips, tonsils,…
Learn how same-day denture repair services can help you. When your dentures chip, crack or…
Learn how composite bonding can be used during your smile makeover to enhance your smile.…
