5 Reasons For A Dental Extraction
Posted on: 30 December 2015
Most people try to avoid having any of their adult teeth removed. The thought of a dental extraction may cause concern and anxiety. However, there are multiple reasons why a dental extraction may become necessary. Here are a few:
Overcrowding
If there is too little room in your mouth, overcrowding may result. The close placement of the teeth can cause dental misalignment, and the crowding teeth may need to be removed before an orthodontic option, such as braces, can be applied.
In addition, overcrowding can make it difficult to clean your teeth properly. Teeth can be so closely set that floss will not fit into the spaces between them. The harboring of oral bacteria and plaque in the interdental spaces can result in bad breath and dental decay.
The strategic extraction of teeth that may be contributing to the overcrowding can help teeth remain aligned and healthy.
Residual Baby Teeth
Sometimes, a baby tooth will not shed in a normal manner. As a result, a permanent tooth can erupt next to a baby tooth that should have fallen out. To remove the baby tooth that should have shed naturally, an extraction may be necessary.
Severe Decay
Tooth decay occurs when tooth enamel is dissolved by the acid inside your mouth. As the protective enamel is removed, oral bacteria have greater access to the interior of a tooth, and an infection can ensue.
If a tooth becomes infected, a root canal or dental extraction may be required. If the infection is permitted to remain without treatment, it can spread to adjacent teeth or even to the bone and bloodstream.
Cracked Tooth
A tooth that is cracked all the way through its root will need to be removed. Minor cracks that do not affect the root may only require a sealant or dental cap. However, cracks that fully separate a tooth into two or more parts are irreparable, and the tooth cannot be salvaged.
Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth are often extracted because of discomfort or to prevent problems with alignment. These back molars, which serve little purpose, may erupt only partially. In addition, some wisdom teeth may grow sideways beneath the surface of the gum.
Since the teeth may cause other teeth to become misaligned and the wisdom teeth are difficult to clean, extraction is often the best option.
If you believe that you could benefit from a dental extraction, contact a dentist in your area today. He or she will be able to assess the state of your mouth and determine whether or not an extraction is the best option for you.
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