It’s hard to think about tooth extractions, but they’re surprisingly common and sometimes necessary. Your dentist may recommend the removal of one tooth or more if you have gum disease, infections in the jawbone, or decay that cannot be treated with a filling. In such instances, tooth extraction can help your overall health and make it easier to manage your oral hygiene routine.
Any dentist with dental practice in Indianapolis will tell you that tooth extractions are a last resort only in certain situations. Here are some of the most common reasons for teeth removal in Indianapolis and across the country.
- Advanced periodontal disease
Some of the worst kinds of gum disease involve bone loss. Once the infection reaches the jawbone, it can cause a serious infection known as necrotizing periodontal disease. If left untreated, this can cause tooth loss and even death from systemic infections. In such cases, tooth extraction may be your only option.
- Extra teeth or baby teeth that impede adult teeth
If you have wisdom teeth or an extra tooth, tooth extraction may be necessary. A wisdom tooth that doesn’t come in straight can pick up plaque and cause decay around its base. That’s why many dentists recommend getting them out as soon as possible to prevent further problems down the road.
- Severe tooth decay
One of the most common reasons for tooth extraction is stubborn decay that cannot be treated with a filling. Sometimes, even after a root canal, a dental abscess still develops around the root of a tooth. In such cases, even removal of the entire tooth may be necessary to treat an infection that won’t go away. Even if you brush and floss regularly, you might still develop deep cavities around your teeth. In such cases, it’s important to start the treatment as soon as possible so further damage or infection can be avoided.
- Preparation for orthodontic treatment
Certain orthodontic treatments may require the extraction of several teeth to achieve the best results. For example, you may need braces to straighten your teeth, but your dentist might recommend removing a tooth or two first. Once you start the treatment, they will be able to move the teeth into their new position more easily.
- Removal of a fractured or malformed tooth
Some of the most common reasons for tooth extraction involve abnormality. For example, you might need an unusual tooth shape in order to have the best possible results from a dental implant. Or a cracked or broken tooth may need to be removed to prevent further damage or infection.