A tooth extraction may sound scary, but it is one of the most common procedures performed! If you have a tooth that is causing you pain or an infection that could rapidly spread to the rest of your mouth, an extraction can offer some relief and preserve the integrity of your surrounding teeth. Are you wondering whether a dental extraction is best for you? Here are five reasons for a tooth extraction.

Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is one of the most common reasons for a tooth extraction. Decay starts on the surface of your tooth and works its way inward until it reaches what is known as the “pulp.” The “pulp” is where the nerve is. What results is extreme discomfort and an increased risk of infection. Depending on the severity of your decayed tooth, a root canal treatment and crown may no longer be possible (and could even be extra painful!).

In this case, we would perform a simple extraction and replace the missing tooth with an implant, denture, or bridge.

Trauma

You may have fallen while going down the steps. Maybe you were playing basketball or hockey and collided with another player. Or perhaps you got into a bike or car accident. Such trauma can break one or more teeth, leaving you not only in physical pain but also feeling self-conscious. Sometimes the broken tooth is repaired with bonding or veneers. But if the trauma is so severe that it can’t be saved, an extraction via dental surgery is often the only solution available to prevent the risk of infection.

After the extraction, an implant or denture replaces the missing tooth. This process may take a few visits. In the meantime, we’ll create a custom flipper to act as a stand-in until we place a more permanent solution.

Periodontal Disease

If left untreated, periodontal disease (or gum disease) can erode the tissues and bones surrounding the teeth, weakening their support system and causing the teeth to fall out on their own. If the tooth hasn’t fallen out yet but is loose, we may recommend an extraction before it has the chance to fall out.

Remember, the best way to prevent periodontal disease is to maintain good oral care. Brush your teeth twice daily, floss, and use mouthwash. Stay away from smoking or other tobacco products, which could damage your gums. And make sure you maintain regular dental visits so your dentist can spot issues early. If they notice warning signs of gum disease, like inflamed gums or bleeding, they can recommend a solution before an extraction is necessary.

Impacted Teeth

An impacted tooth hasn’t yet broken through the surface of your gums, like your wisdom teeth. Tooth impaction can cause overcrowding and damage to other teeth. It can also lead to pain and infection of the gums, mouth, and jaw bone, including bleeding, swelling, and soreness. Preventing the impacted tooth from causing future damage is the main reason for a tooth extraction.

Here at DICE dental, we do not perform wisdom tooth extraction; however, we have a list of very talented oral surgeons we can recommend you to.

Tooth Overcrowding

When teeth are too close together, this can cause alignment issues. Before an orthodontic treatment or a crown and bridge placement, your dentist or orthodontist may recommend an extraction to give your teeth more room to align. The teeth typically removed are extra teeth in the back of the mouth. Braces are usually a reason that children and teenagers get extractions. However, as more and more adults turn to braces, extractions of unnecessary, overcrowded teeth are not uncommon.

Tooth Extractions from DICE Dental

Now that you know the most common reasons for tooth extractions, have you decided whether an extraction is best for you?

Here at DICE Dental, we offer two types of tooth extraction:

  • Simple extraction: Removing teeth that are overcrowded or have cavities. Only $99.
  • Surgical extraction: Removing teeth broken at the gum line. We’ll make sure you’re under anesthesia and comfortable during this dental surgery. Only $149.

If you’re in pain, experiencing decay, or are suffering from periodontal disease, we encourage you to request a consultation with our team. Discover how we can help you get back to smiling, prevent tooth loss, and improve your overall oral health. Contact us today.