There are a number of reasons why a person might need to have one or more of their teeth extracted. Knowing what situations can result in a tooth extraction can better help you avoid facing the circumstances that result in this less-than-desired dental procedure.
To start with, a tooth extraction is basically any type of procedure that results in removal or one or more of your permanent teeth. Unlike children, who are expected to lose their first set of teeth naturally so that their second set of permanent teeth can come in, adults are not supposed to lose any of their teeth.
If a tooth needs to come out for some reason, it generally requires an additional procedure that is aimed at replacing the lost tooth. The options for replacing the tooth can vary, from a bridge to a dental implant, but an extracted tooth usually requires that something more be done in the mouth to fill the space that is left by the missing tooth. The exception to this is when a tooth extraction occurs because there is too little space in the mouth for all teeth to fit properly and the tooth is removed to provide additional space for the remaining teeth. Another exception is for wisdom teeth removal. When wisdom teeth are extracted, there is no need to provide a false tooth in their place.
So what are the reasons that you might need to have one or more of your teeth extracted?
- Trauma – one common reason for requiring a tooth extraction is due to trauma that affects one or more teeth. If trauma occurs to a tooth, either due to it being hit, badly broken, or the victim of some other type of accident, it may mean that the tooth has to come out. In some cases, the trauma might already knock out the tooth or partially knock it out and the remaining portion of the tooth must be removed. In other cases, a portion of the tooth may chip or break and it may be deemed better to remove the entire tooth than to repair it.
- Decay – if a tooth becomes badly decayed, it may need to be removed. Minor decay generally results in the need for a dental filling because a cavity results. But if minor decay is not addressed, it can cause more major problems and if the decay is severe, it may mean that the tooth needs to be extracted because it is beyond repair.
- Infection – if tooth decay gets to the point where it is so severe, it can affect the underlying pulp and nerves of the tooth and can cause infection. One way to treat this is with a root canal and the administration of antibiotics. But sometimes, this procedure and medication are not enough to stop the infection and the only way to prevent the infection from spreading is to remove the tooth.
- Gum Disease – individuals that experience severe forms of periodontal disease can be at risk for losing teeth and may require tooth extractions to save any existing gum tissue and underlying bone from experiencing further problems.
- Crowding – sometimes, teeth need to be extracted not because they are damaged, broken or decayed, but simply because there is not enough room in a person’s mouth for all of their teeth to fit in properly. When this occurs, it can cause overcrowding and result in misalignment of teeth. Both dentists and orthodontists may recommend tooth extractions to remove teeth if there is not enough room.
- Wisdom Teeth – many people require the removal of wisdom teeth because they don’t come in properly. Wisdom teeth can be impacted, can grow in sideways or tilted, or may not have room to come in at all. Since they are not needed for proper tooth functioning, these teeth are typically extracted if there is any problem with them.
For more information about tooth extractions in Queens, NY, contact Park Dental Care at 718-274-1515.
