Did you visit your dentist for a toothache or other concern, only to learn that you require an extraction? Many people already feel anxious about visiting the dentist, and learning that they need to have a troublesome tooth removed only can exacerbate their fears. If you’re overly worried, you might even wonder if it’s truly necessary.
However, if your provider recommended this procedure, they’ve likely already determined that no other treatment can sufficiently protect or preserve your dental condition. Continue reading to learn about 3 circumstances that might require an extraction!
Concern #1: Severe Tooth Decay
Under normal circumstances, injured enamel can often be treated with a tooth-colored filling or a root canal followed by the placement of a dental crown. However, if your tooth has developed more severe cavities, there may be no way to repair it. Unfortunately, decay can be contagious and spread to your neighboring teeth, jawbone, or gum tissues, causing additional harm, so it’s better to address the problem sooner rather than later.
If your dentist examines your mouth and determines there is no way to mend your damaged tooth or restore its functionality, the next best way to halt the progress of the disease is often by removing the problem at its source.
Concern #2: Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Are you an adult who’s about 17 years or older, and have you noticed a sudden or persistent ache in your jaw? If so, you might have wisdom teeth trying to push through your gums. Unfortunately, these third molars tend to grow at inappropriate angles and often become trapped in your jaw or connective tissues, leading to infection.
Your dentist can take X-rays to verify whether this is the cause behind your discomfort. If so, they can perform an extraction to remove the extra tooth, which is not needed for survival and is considered a vestigial feature.
Concern #3: Allow Another Treatment
There’s also a chance your dentist recommended removing certain teeth to allow for other treatments to be successful. For instance, if your teeth are crooked or overcrowded, it might be because there’s not enough room in your jawbone to house them all comfortably. Sometimes, one or more may be removed for orthodontics to be successful.
Similarly, some patients who have lost of their natural teeth and are seeking to rebuild an entire arch, such as with dentures, their remaining pearly whites may need to be extracted for accurate impressions to be made.
If you have specific questions about your condition or why your provider recommended an extraction, you can find the answers you seek by consulting them directly!
Meet the Author
Dr. Chung Chien Hsia enjoys improving people’s lives by enhancing their oral health. He earned his dental degree from the Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine and has since completed a course through the American Academy of Implant Dentistry and become certified to offer nitrous oxide sedation. He provides a variety of services to provide everything from preventive services to more complex procedures, including extractions, at one location. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (214) 432-1133.
