Tooth extraction is considered a treatment of last resort, but there can be many restorative and cosmetic benefits following the safe procedure. At Chisholm Trail Smile Center in Duncan, OK, Dr. Matthew Bridges and our staff prefer to save natural teeth when possible. In some cases, tooth removal may be the only viable option to restore oral health while preventing more serious dental problems. If you have questions about what types of dental problems lead to the need for tooth extraction, our team put together this list.
Trauma
Traumatic injuries to teeth can result from a sports injury or accident. Often, these injuries result in minor damage, such as a chip or crack, to a tooth. If a crack is large enough, it may spread to the root. This type of injury may require tooth extraction or placement of a dental crown to preserve oral health.
Complications Related to Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth are commonly extracted for a variety of reasons. Around 10 million third molars are removed each year in the United States. Wisdom teeth are prone to becoming impacted, meaning they are unable to fully emerge. Partially impacted teeth partly emerge while fully impacted wisdom teeth are unable to emerge at all. This situation can cause a wide range of dental problems, including an increased risk for cavities or infection or dental crowding.
Even when a wisdom tooth fully emerges, it is often at an increased risk for cavities because wisdom teeth are difficult to clean. During your dental exam, Dr. Bridges will determine if your wisdom tooth requires extraction. The procedure is far more comfortable than most people anticipate.
An Abscess
Wisdom teeth are prone to developing an abscess due to the fact that they are more difficult to clean. An abscess is a pocket of pus that forms inside a wisdom tooth, often near the root. Patients often notice pain as a result of this advanced infection. By the time symptoms arise, the body’s ability to fight off the infection has probably been compromised. To protect your jaw and surrounding tissue, an emergency tooth extraction will likely be needed.
Failed Root Canal Procedure
There are multiple reasons that a root canal can fail and require tooth extraction. If all the bacteria are not removed from within the tooth before it is sealed, the infection can reemerge. If the structure of the dental crown is compromised, bacteria can reenter the tooth’s pulp. The inner seal that is placed following your root canal therapy can break down over time. Whatever the cause, the presence of an advanced infection within the tooth following root canal therapy may require tooth extraction to prevent further health problems.
Cosmetic Considerations
Many people do not realize that tooth extraction can be combined with orthodontic treatments or other procedures to add symmetry and beauty to your smile. Removing wisdom teeth can prevent the teeth from ruining your smile following treatments using Invisalign or traditional braces. Some patients can benefit from tooth extraction as preparation for placement of implant-supported prosthetics or dentures.
Contact Our Duncan, OK Office Today
Many of the dental problems that require tooth extraction are considered dental emergencies. If you are experiencing the sudden onset of pain from a tooth, contact our office by calling (580) 255-4880. Our staff will set up an immediate appointment to address your dental needs.
