Common Reasons for Tooth Extractions

A tooth extraction is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of a tooth. Performed by a dentist or oral surgeon, a tooth extraction is only recommended when it is necessary to preserve a patient’s health and quality of life. The reasons a tooth extraction might be necessary is because teeth are badly diseased or damaged and cannot be repaired with root canal therapy or a restoration. Extractions are also common when wisdom teeth begin to come in. When wisdom teeth emerge, they present many potential problems for a patient’s oral health. Following is more information on tooth extractions and what to expect after treatment.

Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Ignore An Extraction Recommendation

If you have been referred for the removal of a tooth, it is likely for very good reason. Foregoing a tooth extraction can greatly damage your oral health. If one or more of your teeth are badly damaged or diseased, keeping them can result in complications such as chronic oral infections called abscesses. An abscess can destroy both hard and soft oral tissue in the mouth, including the jawbones. This infection begins at the root of damaged or diseased teeth and will only worsen with time. Moreover, the infection associated with an abscessed tooth can enter the bloodstream.

When wisdom teeth are recommended for removal, it is often for preventive reasons. Wisdom teeth can cause tooth alignment issues, tooth wear, dental caries, gum disease, abscesses, and orofacial pain. Since wisdom teeth are not necessary for healthy oral function, their removal is often recommended as soon as they begin to emerge in the gums.

Replacing Extracted Teeth

If you have lost a tooth or require an extraction, you might be a candidate for dental implants. An implant is a titanium post that is used to replace the root systems of teeth. Embedded into the jawbone, the bone surrounding the implant will bond to its titanium construction with time, thus securing it in place. Once bone has stabilized an implant, a prosthetic crown or bridge can be attached to fill in the visible gaps of a smile.

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