3 Reasons You May Need a Tooth Extracted

The enamel that covers your teeth is the hardest substance in your body. Enamel protects your teeth and also gives them the reflective shine that’s so distinctive. When your enamel is weakened, your teeth are at risk. 

At all three Central Avenue Dental locations, our expert providers work to help you enjoy the benefits of strong, healthy, and beautiful teeth. Sometimes, though, we have to recommend tooth extraction. 

The need to remove a tooth

If you have a cavity, you don’t need a tooth pulled. When our dentists examine your teeth, we look for ways to preserve the structure. 

Fillings, root canals, and similar procedures remove decay and seal up any openings that could allow bacteria to get in. A crown may be needed to protect and reinforce a damaged tooth. 

Sometimes, the decay and damage may be too far gone for us to save your tooth. Here are three situations when extraction is the better option. 

Severe damage

If your tooth is severely fractured, we may be unable to save it. For example, if a tooth is broken into pieces, we may be unable to repair it. Similarly, a crack that extends through the root of your tooth may not be repairable. 

Another instance of severe damage is tooth luxation, which happens when the ligaments that hold teeth in place are damaged. 

Infection and decay

It’s rare for a toothache to mean you need an extraction, but gum disease leading to tooth decay is the number one reason people lose teeth. Our dentists always try to save your teeth with procedures such as: 

• Fillings
• Root canals
• Scaling and planing
• Gum grafting

But, if your teeth are severely decayed or you have an ongoing infection, extraction might be the best option. 

Impaction

Wisdom teeth are notorious for growing sideways, in the wrong place, or in other ways that cause them to become impacted—or stuck behind another tooth. Impaction can put pressure on your other teeth and cause serious damage. 

If your dentist tells you that your wisdom tooth is impacted, it’s a good idea to have it extracted before it causes additional problems. 

Living with tooth loss

We provide thorough aftercare instructions following a tooth extraction so that you can heal properly and quickly, with as little pain as possible. We can also provide information on tooth replacement options for you to evaluate. 

Schedule an appointment today at Central Avenue Dental's most convenient location to learn more about why and when we recommend extraction.