The Top Common Reasons for Tooth Extraction

Do you have a tooth that has to be extracted? While this is sad news, it is not something an oral surgeon wishes to explore as a first resort. In fact, tooth extraction should only be used as a last option. As a result, there is always a valid cause for a dentist in OKC to recommend a tooth extraction. Your tooth may not be viable if you find yourself in any of the following conditions.

Tooth Decay

Bacteria on the teeth create acids, which eventually convert into dental plaque. When plaque is not removed for a lengthy period of time, it can easily turn into tartar (calculus) and cause the tooth’s thick enamel layer to deteriorate. No amount of restorative dentistry can preserve a tooth if it is discovered too late. This is because the tooth’s structure has deteriorated to the point where leaving it alone will only raise the danger of infection. Furthermore, because decay can rapidly spread to other teeth and regions of the mouth, tooth extraction in this situation can actually enhance long-term oral health.

Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease, often known as gum disease, is an infection that affects not only the gum tissue but also the ligaments and alveolar bone that hold teeth in place. When bacteria infect the gums, they become inflammatory, irritated, and start to break down. Gum disease is the major cause of tooth loss in adults, owing to its prevalence. In severe cases, the tooth may become loose and require extraction to cure the gum disease alone.

Impacted Teeth

Teeth get impacted when they attempt to erupt from the gums but are obstructed by an existing tooth. This is most common with wisdom teeth, although it can also happen with other teeth. If an oral surgeon suggests that the impacted tooth be extracted, it will most likely safeguard surrounding teeth.

Overcrowding Teeth

Orthodontic treatments such as braces are most typically used to treat overcrowding. However, tooth extraction may be a viable option for preventing overcrowding, which can cause the bite to become uneven and lead to temporomandibular joint disorders (or TMJ, which attach the jaw to the skull). Extraction may be necessary in some circumstances to allow room for orthodontic treatment.

Bodily Injury

Teeth can easily be knocked out while participating in contact sports. In fact, outside of dental illness, it is still one of the most common causes of tooth loss. A car collision can also result in teeth being knocked out or being damaged beyond repair.

A broken tooth isn’t always irreversible, but in some cases, extraction is the best course of action. If this is the case, an oral surgeon can guarantee that the procedure is painless and successful.

Solution

With nearly a decade of expertise in the industry, Dr. Wooten at Oral and Facial Surgery of Oklahoma enjoys not only assisting individuals with their most pressing dental health needs, but also meeting new people and forming long-term relationships. He specializes in surgical tooth extractions, oral surgery no matter how difficult they may be. You can contact him through his website to make an appointment with his office.

**Disclaimer: This site content is not intended to be medical advice nor establishes a doctor-patient relationship.