Sometimes a tooth extraction is necessary. This procedure is not an easy thing to do, but it is often crucial for maintaining oral health, especially when leaving the affected tooth could cause other, usually much more severe health concerns. Some of the reasons for tooth extraction can be avoided with preventive care like dental checkups and good oral hygiene. In contrast, others such as trauma, impaction and overcrowding are just unavoidable.
Here are some major reasons why someone might need to get a tooth removed:
Tooth impaction happens when the eruption of a tooth pushes right against another tooth. The tooth is unable to come through the gum and prone to infection, causing inflammation or bleeding gums. People dealing with this situation usually experience pain and swelling around the jaw and may be unable to open their mouths.
The common tooth affected by this condition is the wisdom tooth, the third and final set of molars that do not have enough space to erupt upright, so they eventually grow inward, pushing against the rest of the teeth. It is advisable to have the wisdom teeth removed before they wreak more havoc on the rest of the teeth.
Tooth impaction can also lead to teeth overcrowding, consequently causing a straight and aligned smile to get crooked. Extracting a problematic tooth can free up space on the jaw. This is often a crucial part of teeth straightening treatment.
The accumulation of plaque and tartar causes tooth decay. The deposits eat into the tooth enamel, weakening the tooth. If the decay is not treated on time, an infection may set in, causing pain and inflammation. Once the condition gets to this, it may be necessary to remove and replace the tooth before the infection spreads further, causing health concerns.
Like tooth decay, gum disease is also often caused by the build-up of plaque and tartar on the teeth. Gingivitis and periodontitis are common forms of gum disease and cause inflammation of the gums, as well as the bones and tissues supporting the teeth. If the structure of the bone or gum becomes compromised, tooth extraction might be necessary to save the surrounding teeth.
The teeth are usually one of the first casualties in an accident. Whether it is from a sporting event or an auto crash, accidents can cause damages to the teeth. Sometimes, the damage is too severe that saving the tooth is nearly impossible. In this case, tooth extraction is a necessary part of the recovery process. Otherwise, the damaged tooth may become infected, and that may cause further issues.
It is important to note that the general dentist will try other solutions possible before recommending a tooth extraction. However, in some cases, removing the tooth is the only to protect the rest of the teeth and oral health. If you think you might need to undergo tooth removal, contact the dental office to book an appointment.
Request an appointment here: https://www.scmountaindental.com or call Brent C. Lay, DDS at (408) 500-0813 for an appointment in our Los Gatos office.
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