Getting a tooth pulled is more involved than just giving a good tug. Though your Arlington dentist does everything possible to save your natural tooth, sometimes a tooth extraction is necessary to maintain good oral health, or at least get you on the path to healthy teeth and gums.
Here are just some examples of when a tooth extraction may be called for:
1. Tooth Infection
Typically, when a tooth has severe decay, infection, or abscess, a combination of root canal therapy and antibiotics are an effective repair. There are times, however, when the pain is so severe, the problem so deep, and the repair so involved that it is better to pull the tooth than try to save it. A tooth extraction can provide immediate relief from discomfort.
Gum disease is a serious oral infection and the leading cause of tooth loss. Whether the tooth becomes so loose in its socket that it falls out by itself or it needs to be pulled, periodontal disease needs to be addressed to eliminate bacteria from the mouth and restore oral health.
2. Accident
Severe damage to a tooth simply cannot be righted in some circumstances. Blows to the mouth can occur in a car accident, sports injury, fistfight, or fall. This mouth or jaw trauma can lead to a broken root, bone fracture, or dislodged tooth. You only get one set of permanent teeth, and it’s so important to take care of them.
When circumstances beyond your control compromise your oral health, seeking immediate attention and repair can sometimes save your tooth or, at the very least, lead to a speedy extraction which gets you quickly on the path to full dental restoration.
3. Stuck Baby Tooth
Losing baby teeth is a natural stage of everyone’s oral health. There are times, though, when a child’s baby tooth is simply stuck. It’s been in there for ages, the permanent tooth has snuck in behind or in front of the baby tooth, and still those roots won’t let go. Allowing the baby tooth to stay in place until it falls out on its own is often recommended, but if a tooth just isn’t going anywhere or a child is fearful of twisting it out of its spot, a tooth extraction may be necessary.
This procedure is less complicated than the removal of an adult tooth because the root system of a baby tooth disintegrates over time. However, you want the tooth to be carefully removed so the gum is not damaged.
4. Wisdom Teeth
Not everyone needs their wisdom teeth removed, but most adults simply don’t have room in their mouths to accommodate these four extra molars. Allowing the wisdom teeth to stay in place can damage alignment, ruin any orthodontic work that has been done, or become impacted or partially erupted, causing severe pain. Around the late teens, your dentist will evaluate the position of wisdom teeth and whether they pose a threat to your oral health.
Replacing an Extracted Tooth
The extraction of a problem tooth is not the end of the story. No matter where the tooth is in your mouth, you will want to talk to your Arlington dentist about replacing that tooth. Missing teeth create even more oral health complications. Neighboring teeth can shift to fill the empty space. Multiple missing teeth, particularly molars, can compromise jawbone health and lead to a compressed or sunken appearance.
Through dental restorations like dental implants, a dental bridge, or dentures, your missing teeth can be replaced. You’ll be able to chew, speak, and smile confidently again when your teeth are fully functional and look good at the same time.
Contact Dr. Alana Macalik to schedule your dental appointment if you are having tooth pain or suspect you need a tooth extraction.
