Do I Need My Tooth Extracted?

You and your doctor may determine that you need a tooth extraction for any number of reasons. Some teeth are extracted because they are severely decayed; others may have advanced periodontal disease, or have broken in a way that cannot be repaired. Other teeth may need removal because they are poorly positioned in the mouth (such as impacted teeth), or in preparation for orthodontic treatment.

Reason For Extractions

There are two main reasons for extractions, cavities andgum disease.

Cavities arise when a tooth is exposed to sugar (carbohydrate) for a prolonged period, that is consumed by bacteria. One byproduct of carbohydrate consumption by bacteria is the formation of acid that is deposited on the teeth. This acid eats away at the tooth structure creating a cavity. While some cavities can be repaired with a filling, should the cavity extend into the pulp of the tooth, either a root canal treatment or tooth extraction is required

Periodontal (gum) disease can arise when chronic inflammatory insults arise in the gums around the teeth. Because teeth are supported and held strong by the gums and bone, severe periodontal disease results in loss of the supporting structure of the tooth. While some periodontal disease can be treated with scaling and root planing, or with pocket reduction surgery, dental extraction is sometimes the only course of action remaining in severe cases of gum disease.

Damage To Tooth

Teeth may sometimes be extracted for other reasons. If a tooth has been traumatized in an accident, it can sometimes no longer be saved. Similarly, biting on hard foods or on a weak filling may cause a tooth to fracture in a way that your dentist cannot restore.