A dentist may decide to extract your tooth when all the other options of saving it have been exhausted. He/She will examine the affected tooth and suggest a dental x-ray to be taken, if necessary. This will help him/her understand the extent of the dental injury or tooth decay. Though it may seem like an extreme solution to a problem, it is a fairly common procedure with nothing to worry about. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the most common reasons for a tooth extraction.

• Impacted tooth

A tooth which is unable to emerge properly from the gum line is known as an impacted tooth. It happens when it doesn’t have adequate space to grow or when it’s growing at an odd angle. It happens most commonly with wisdom teeth and is the likeliest reason for tooth extraction.

• Severe tooth decay

A dentist may recommend a tooth extraction to those suffering from severe tooth decay. When the nerve and the inner tissue of the tooth are infected, dentists usually suggest undergoing root canal treatment. It is considered to be sufficient to get rid of the infected tissue and also to prevent the infection from spreading any further. But, if you wait too long after having experienced the pain for the first time, consult with your dentist immediately. It could be a sign of you needing a tooth extraction. It is necessary in severe cases because the structure of the tooth is usually compromised.

• Orthodontics

A tooth extraction is often also a part of orthodontics or treatment for braces. When teeth start causing problems or are too big for the mouth, some may be removed for the treatment to be completed successfully. For example, one of the most common reasons for tooth extraction in the treatment of braces to prevent overcrowding.

• Complications with the wisdom tooth

A tooth extraction is usually needed for wisdom teeth. The third row of molars that humans no longer need to rely upon for speaking or chewing are the wisdom teeth. While they may be harmless, they often cause various types of issues such as growing sideways or in some cases, failing to erupt completely. In such cases, these teeth can lead to gum infection and can also threaten the health of the teeth around them. Hence, dentists often extract them to preserve the oral and overall health of the patient.

• Periodontal Disease

Gum disease or periodontal disease is when the gums have an infection. As the infection spreads, the gum tissue is unable to provide proper support to the teeth. This results in the tooth becoming loose and causing irritation. A dentist may suggest a tooth extraction when this happens. Sometimes it is essential to pull the affected tooth or teeth.

• Other reasons

There are several other factors which may lead your dentist to recommend a tooth extraction. For example, if one of your teeth is broken beyond repair, a better alternative is to remove the remainder of the broken tooth. Also, an extraction may be necessary after certain medical procedures such as chemotherapy or an organ transplant to reduce the risk of infection. It is vital for you to understand that dentists never take tooth extractions lightly. Their first choice is always to conserve as many teeth as possible through treatment. However, sometimes developmental or health considerations may prevent them from doing so. If you think you need a dental extraction, contact your dentist at your earliest convenience and they can provide with the best possible solution.