What are the Reasons for Tooth Extractions?

Although our permanent teeth are intended to be lasting, this isn’t always the case and a tooth extraction can be needed. Nobody likes losing their permanent teeth, but life happens. Sometimes it’s a matter of tooth trauma or poor oral hygiene. Genetics can also play a role, making us more susceptible to cavities, tooth decay or other dental health problems. While preserving your natural teeth is always our dentist’s main goal, sometimes a last resort extraction becomes a necessary part of the solution. On the other side, if you do need a tooth extraction and opt to forego it, then the questionable tooth could lead to some pretty serious health concerns including heart problems and stroke. This is particularly the case with cavities, also called ‘dental caries’. The problem with cavities is that they leave an opening that bacteria can enter, and, once inside, that bacteria can travel through the bloodstream wreaking havoc on your body. If you have a cavity, it’s important to get it filled right away. Sometimes a cavity can be filled and sealed off, but if left untreated for too long, the cavity will grow and can damage the tooth beyond repair. When damaged can’t be repaired, a tooth will need to be removed. Tooth extractions are not limited to problems with cavities. Sometimes. the removal of overcrowding teeth is needed. This is particularly the case if you are being fitted for an orthodontic appliance. When a tooth is too large or sits too close to another, there may not be enough room for the equipment to be placed. To accommodate it, a tooth may need to be removed to create additional space. Gum disease is another reason that a tooth extraction may be necessary. Periodontal disease is an infection that affects the tissue and bones surrounding your teeth. It can cause one or more teeth to loosen, thereby requiring them to be removed. Something that not everyone considers is the impact that the risk of infection can have on health. This is even more true if you are undergoing certain types of intensive medical treatment, such as chemotherapy. Since cancer patients are most at risk for infections and other illnesses. Those who additionally have poor oral health or existing dental problems will generally have an increased risk of infection. This alone can be enough to deem a tooth removal necessary. Wisdom teeth are notorious for tooth extractions. They usually do not grow in line with the other teeth and rather become impacted or grow in at an angle. This can cause daily pain in the area. That’s why wisdom teeth often have to be removed. However, not every wisdom tooth is a candidate for extraction. If the tooth is not causing you any pain or problems to your other teeth, then an extraction may not be the best option. Another common problem is an abscessed tooth. An abscess is an infection that affects either the root of a tooth or the area between the gum and a tooth. It can create a lot of pain and problems for you, such as fever, sensitivity to hot and cold, and a bitter taste in your mouth or foul breath. It can leave you with red, swollen gums, and in some cases, produce an open sore on the side of the gums that drains pus. Since infection can lead to other problems, an antibiotic may be needed. In some cases, particularly if you have a draining sore, more intense treatment may be required to eliminate the infection before it causes further problems. A tooth extraction is not needed in all cases of an abscessed tooth. A dentist will try to save a tooth if at all possible, reserving tooth extraction as a last resort option. If you feel that you may need a tooth extraction, call today to schedule an exam to determine your best options. If you need tooth removal ,then get dental extractions at Coos Bay dentistry.