While tooth extractions are unpleasant, they are sometimes inevitable. Through any oral problems, the dentist will prioritize saving your tooth. However, if the treatment options don't succeed, the next option is tooth extraction. If the tooth is a baby tooth, then there's little to no negative consequence of extracting the tooth, since it gives room for the permanent tooth to grow in. However, if your tooth is permanent, the case changes. Continue reading for 5 reasons why your dentist may recommend a tooth extraction.
Impacted Wisdom Tooth
Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that erupt between your late teens and your early twenties. For some people, it's possible to keep their wisdom teeth. However, others lack the room in their jaws for the wisdom teeth to grow in, causing the wisdom teeth to push the adjacent teeth out of their way or to get stuck under the gums. An impacted wisdom tooth is a wisdom tooth that never erupts from the gums but is constantly pushing on the adjacent tooth.
If this is the case, you may have to deal with tooth damage, aching gums, infection or teeth overcrowding. Your dentist may recommend extraction of a problematic wisdom tooth.
Tooth Fracture
Your tooth may have been healthy until an accident happened, causing your tooth to fracture. Of your teeth might fail to fit perfectly when you bite down, and the force from chewing may crack your lower molars. Teeth with large fillings or root canals are more prone to fracture compared to your other healthy teeth. Tooth fractures can be extremely painful, and you need to see a dentist immediately. If the tooth fractured beneath your gum line, your dentist will recommend an immediate tooth extraction.
Severe Tooth Decay
Untreated plaque and tartar build-up lead to tooth decay. Your dentist may only recommend treatment if your tooth is still healthy enough to benefit from solutions like crowns, root canals or fillings. However, If you have a case of severe tooth decay, your tooth doesn't have the structural integrity to survive even with these solutions. Once a cavity has grown beyond repair, your dentist may recommend a tooth extraction.
Crowded Teeth
If your dentist finds that you have crowded teeth in your mouth, they may suggest extraction. For instance, your dentist may recommend tooth extraction in the case of crowded teeth to help the patient achieve a straight smile.
Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease attacks your gums and other structures that support your teeth. Once your gums have receded enough, your teeth have very little support, and they may even fall out or require extraction
If you have any dental problem, ensure you see a dentist before it escalates and requires tooth extraction. While tooth extraction is not ideal, you can consult a dentist on different ways to fill the gap left behind by your tooth.
Share19 August 2020
As you age, it can become harder to take care of your teeth. Motor challenges can make it hard to floss, while memory issues may make it easy to overlook brushing. Whether you are a senior looking for solutions to some of the common dental problems or a senior with specific questions about cavities or oral surgery, you have come to the right place. In this blog, I am going to touch on a range of topics related to seniors and oral health. This is the type of resource I wish my mum would have had access to in her senior years, and I hope you enjoy having access to it during yours. I appreciate you reading my posts.
