Even though a tooth extraction is not the most thrilling procedure, removing a tooth to preserve oral and overall health is necessary in certain circumstances. Regardless, it’s natural for people to wonder if extraction is really necessary.
Simply, there are many reasons why a doctor may request removing a tooth, but it is often considered a last resort. At Dental Care of Lombard, Dr. Julie Glud performs tooth extractions to prevent the spread of infection, disease, and bone loss. Reach out today if you have further questions regarding tooth extractions in Lombard, IL.
Knowing when tooth extractions are necessary can be beneficial for someone unsure whether they need one. In this blog, we outline the top six reasons why tooth extractions can be medically necessary:
1. Extensive Decay
Cavities are a hole in the tooth that develops from tooth decay. The good news is that cavities don’t appear overnight, and it’s possible to treat a cavity with dental fillings or a root canal if caught in time.
Unfortunately, a cavity will expand and worsen if left untreated. If the cavity gets so large that it cannot be saved through other means, extraction will be necessary.
2. Irreparable Damage
Aside from tooth decay, teeth may become damaged through cracks, chips, and other trauma. A tooth can repair itself through a healing process referred to as remineralization. However, remineralization can only repair minimal amounts of damage. If dental damage cannot be repaired through a filling or a crown, it may need to be pulled.
3. Tooth Impaction
Usually, a tooth becomes impacted because there is not enough space to erupt into function. Removing an impacted tooth can serve as prevention. Commonly, wisdom teeth are removed during the late teens or early adulthood to avoid potential complications, such as:
- Mild to severe discomfort
- Swelling, redness, or infection
- Cysts or tumors
- Decay or damage to adjacent teeth
4. Advanced Periodontal Disease
Gum disease impacts almost half of adults aged over 30 years, and the risk of developing periodontal disease climbs with age. Periodontal disease starts as swollen, infected gum tissue but can slowly transform into receding gums, tooth loss, and bone loss. If the teeth begin to loosen, it may be wise to treat the periodontal disease through scaling and root planing, remove the affected tooth, and immediately replace them to avoid bone loss.
5. Before Orthodontic Treatment
If you or your child are considering braces or Invisalign®, removing crowded teeth may be a part of your orthodontic treatment plan. Generally, dentists and orthodontists must consider the available space in their patient’s mouth and find a way to accommodate straightening the teeth. For example, your doctor may suggest removing wisdom teeth that haven’t erupted yet or teeth in the back of the mouth to make room for a straighter smile.
6. Compromised Immune System
Whether you’ve received chemotherapy or are undergoing preparation for an organ transplant, the risk of infection is problematic and potentially life-threatening for those that are immunocompromised. So, your doctor may suggest tooth removal if it’s infected.
Would you benefit from a tooth extraction?
One day, a dental extraction could save your smile. At your initial consultation at our Lombard, IL office, Dr. Glud will weigh out all treatment options to help you decide which way to go. Find out if dental extraction is an appropriate next step by calling 630-629-5700 or messaging us online.
