When Do You Need a Tooth Extraction?
Did you know that tooth extractions are the most common surgical procedure in the United States? Surgical tooth extractions involve the removal of one or multiple teeth and are usually quite simple, except in rare cases where the damage is extensive. But why exactly are they done? This article answers the question, when should you get The Woodlands extractions?
1. Overcrowded or Impacted Teeth
Your teeth are said to be overcrowded if they are too large to fit in your mouth. Impacted teeth, on the other hand, are teeth that shift into the wrong position while growing. Both of these conditions can cause discomfort and misalign your teeth, sometimes even preventing you from closing your mouth or chewing properly. If you have overcrowded or impacted teeth, your dentist might recommend tooth extraction followed by brace fitting to help realign your teeth and preserve your dental arrangement.
2. Tooth Infection
The most common tooth infection is tooth decay, which is incredibly dangerous if it is not treated or detected early. This is because tooth decay infections tend to spread from one tooth to the next and can cause extensive damage to your tooth’s pulp. If your tooth decay is caught late and is threatening your gums and pulp, you might be a good candidate for a tooth extraction, which will stop the inspection from spreading.
- Damaged Tooth
Most cases of severely cracked or broken teeth are usually the result of an accident or injury. If the damage is minor, your dentist will just repair the chipped teeth with crowns or other advanced tooth replacement procedures. However, sometimes such teeth can be so damaged that it is unsalvageable, especially if it broke below the gum line. When this is the case, the damaged tooth (or whatever parts remain) may have to be extracted.
4. Threat of Tooth Infection
Your body’s immune system is responsible for fighting off infections, including those that affect your mouth and teeth. Consequently, some patients like those undergoing chemotherapy tend to face a higher risk of dental infections due to a weakened immune system. If your oral surgeon identifies any threats of tooth infection, they might recommend a tooth extraction to protect your oral health from effects that your body will be unable to fight.
5. Gum Disease
Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, can weaken your oral health by weakening the bones supporting your teeth. This can, in turn, result in teeth rotting and gum infections. While there are several treatment options for gum disease, tooth extraction can come into the picture if you experience difficulty chewing or develop the following symptoms:
- Loosening of the tooth.
- Extensive spread of tooth infections.
- Severe tooth infections.
- Severe pain and discomfort.
- Severe mouth odor.
Gum disease, unfortunately, only gets worse with time, so keep up with your dentist appointments and consult your doctor immediately if you notice a problem.
Conclusion
Tooth extractions can seem extreme, but they are necessary for situations such as those discussed here. If you meet any of these criteria, having your tooth extraction done by professional oral surgeons will assure you of positive results. Contact Oral Facial Surgery Specialists to schedule a consultation with Oscar Muniz, MD, DMD, who is a highly experienced oral surgeon skilled in extractions.
