A dental expert always tries to prevent the extraction of teeth as much as they can. They will try to fix the underlying conditions first by performing all other procedures like the root canal, removing the cavities, and other dental treatments so that extraction can be prevented. Hence, if they tell you that you need an extraction, there is something serious going on.
Following are the reasons and situations in which the tooth may need to be extracted:
- There is an infection in the pulp.
- It may be severely damaged and can not be repaired.
- Decay might be present and an advanced form of periodontal disease may be there.
- When the wisdom tooth erupts and there is crowding.
The precautions you must follow to save yourself from having a tooth removed are brushing regularly and visiting your doctor at least twice a year for a routine checkup. See more about Tooth Extraction.
Before Dental Professionals Turn to Extractions
There are several reasons for tooth decay. It happens mostly when we are not able to take proper care of our oral health. Or you could be prone to decay if you have weak enamel. Whatever may be the cause, once the decay is located, it is important to get the necessary treatment to avoid having them pulled.
During a dental checkup, the dentist uses an X-Ray and other probing tools to find any cavities. Laser cavity detection is a new technology that helps in detecting them as you are able to see the insides of the mouth. The machine sends the light waves that reflect the light off the tooth. Healthy teeth will absorb the light whereas decayed ones will reflect back the light. Cavities are also known as dental caries and if one is found, it needs to be immediately treated before it becomes worse.
An acidic substance is formed if the bacteria gets combined with the plaque (if present). This acid then passes through and erodes the outer enamel layer. Later on, it gets deep inside the inner pulp and helps in spreading the decay and causing infection. One must floss and brush regularly to save the decay reaching the pulp.
In a severe case of dental decay, the dental expert will try to treat it with the help of a root canal. These are necessary when the decay has reached the pulp that contains the blood vessels and the nerve endings. When there is severe pain, swelling, or inflammation or bone loss, a root canal is required. It also may be used in case the infection is surrounding the gums. The root canal is a long procedure as the intention of the specialist is to do whatever is necessary to save the teeth from extraction. Read about How Do You Prepare For A Tooth Extraction.
Why There is a Need for Extraction?
If the condition is too severe, you will be advised to have it pulled. This becomes extremely important when there is a high amount of damage that can not be repaired or the tooth is causing damage to its neighboring teeth or gums. This procedure is the last suggestion of any highly skilled dental professional. If you are facing the following problems, then you may need an extraction:
Severely damaged and cannot be repaired: Your surgeon may have to remove them if there is so much decay that they are not able to support the chewing and other activities. A replacement will be placed so that the functionality can be retained.
Crowded Mouth: Crowding may happen when the wisdom teeth come in. That is why they are pulled when they erupt so they do not cause damage to the surrounding ones and gums. Misalignment can happen due to overcrowding.
Misaligned Smile: Those that are misaligned can break or crack easily because of the pressure of jaws and gums. It may cause bruxism or grinding of the teeth. Decay may be caused so it is important to do the extraction.
Fractured Tooth: A fracture in the tooth can be fixed with the help of crowns and dental fillings. An extraction may be required if the condition is beyond repair.
Periodontitis: In this condition, the gums start to recede and get loosen, which further leads to the loss.
Infection that has reached the pulp: If the infection reaches the marrow, because of the decay, it may result in extreme pain. In that instance, a root canal is required. However, if the teeth are not responsive to root canal therapy and antibiotic treatment, they will need to be pulled.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or tooth pain, it is advised that you should immediately reach out to a dental professional. Meet Dr. Aarti Puri
Sources:
- Bailey, E., et al. (2014). Ibuprofen and/or paracetamol (acetaminophen) for pain relief after surgical removal of lower wisdom teeth, a Cochrane systematic review [Abstract].
- Friedlich, J., & Blanas, N. (2013). Management of post-surgical pain. https://jcda.ca/article/d91
