Sometimes, a tooth becomes so damaged or problematic that the best solution is to remove it. A tooth extraction procedure is a type of oral surgery where the dentist carefully removes the tooth from its socket in the jawbone. While it might sound intimidating, extractions are often necessary to protect your overall oral health. After the procedure, you’ll need a few days to rest and recover.
Dentists only recommend extractions when other treatments aren’t enough to save the tooth. They also remove teeth when leaving it in place could cause bigger problems, but the long-term benefits are worth it. If you’re wondering why you might need a tooth pulled, here are some common reasons.
Common Reasons and What to Expect
1. Wisdom Teeth Removal
One of the most common reasons for tooth extractions is removing wisdom teeth. These are the third set of molars that usually grow in during your late teens or early twenties. While some people have no issues with their wisdom teeth, many others experience problems.
For example, wisdom teeth often don’t have enough room to grow properly, which can lead to:
- Impaction: When a wisdom tooth gets stuck in the gum tissue or jawbone, it’s called impaction. This can cause pain, swelling, and even infection.
- Crowding: Wisdom teeth can push against your other teeth. Crowding causes them to shift or become crooked.
- Infection: Partially erupted wisdom teeth can create pockets where bacteria can grow. This can cause gum disease or tooth decay.
Dentists often monitor wisdom teeth with X-rays and recommend extraction before they cause serious problems. In many cases, they can remove all four wisdom teeth in a single procedure.
2. Overcrowded Teeth
Overcrowding happens when there isn’t enough space in your jaw for all your teeth to fit properly. This can happen with or without wisdom teeth. Overcrowded teeth can cause many issues, including:
- Difficulty Cleaning: It’s harder to brush and floss effectively when teeth are too close together. The risk of cavities and gum disease goes up.
- Misalignment: Overcrowding can cause teeth to shift, overlap, or become crooked, which can affect your bite and make it harder to chew or speak.
- Jaw Pain: Crowded teeth can put extra pressure on your jaw, leading to discomfort or even TMJ disorders.
In some cases, your dentist or orthodontist may recommend removing one or more teeth to create space and improve alignment. Mostly for special cases, this can be a part of orthodontic treatment.
3. Severe Tooth Damage or Decay
Cavities are common, and they can usually be treated with a simple filling. But if tooth decay is left untreated, it can spread deeper into the tooth. It will reach the inner pulp where the nerves and blood vessels are. At this point, you might need a root canal to save the tooth. However, extraction may be the only option if the damage is too severe.
Other types of tooth damage that might require extraction include:
- Cracked or Broken Teeth: If a tooth is cracked or broken below the gumline, it may not be possible to repair it.
- Trauma: Teeth that are severely damaged from an injury or accident may need to be removed.
- Infection: If an infected tooth can’t be treated with a root canal or antibiotics, extraction may be necessary to prevent the infection from spreading.
After an extraction, your dentist can discuss replacement options to restore your smile. Options can include dental implants, bridges, or dentures.
4. Gum Disease
Advanced gum disease, also known as periodontitis, can damage the tissues and bone that support your teeth. Over time, this can cause teeth to become loose or even fall out. In some cases, extracting severely affected teeth will protect your overall oral health and prevent the disease from spreading.
5. Preparing for Orthodontic Treatment
Your orthodontist might recommend removing one or more teeth to create space before starting treatment with braces or Invisalign. This will help the remaining teeth to move into their proper positions. Severely overcrowded or misaligned teeth can affect orthodontic results.
6. Baby Teeth That Don’t Fall Out
Sometimes, baby teeth don’t fall out on their own, which can prevent permanent teeth from growing in properly. In these cases, your dentist may recommend extracting the baby tooth to allow the permanent tooth to come in.
7. Medical or Cancer Treatment
In some cases, tooth extractions are necessary as part of a larger medical treatment plan. For example:
- Radiation Therapy: Your dentist may recommend removing teeth that are at risk of infection if you’re receiving radiation treatment for cancer in the head or neck area.
- Organ Transplants: Patients preparing for organ transplants may need to have infected or problematic teeth removed to reduce the risk of complications.
Ready to Learn More?
Tooth extractions are a common and often necessary procedure to protect your health. Whether you’re dealing with wisdom teeth, overcrowding, severe decay, or another issue, our dentists can help you understand your options and make the best decision.
Don’t wait to get treatment if you think you might need a tooth extraction. At Dental Implants & Cosmetic Dentistry at Towson, we’re here to help you maintain a pain-free smile. Call us today at 410-324-2294 to request an appointment and learn more about your options.