When your dentist tells you that a tooth needs to be extracted, it typically means the tooth has reached a point where saving it with another restorative treatment is no longer possible. Because of this, it can seem like there’s plenty of time to extract the tooth. However, the fact that the tooth can’t be saved doesn’t mean there’s no longer a pressing need to address the problem. Depending on the specific reason why you need tooth extraction, waiting much longer can put much of the rest of your oral health at risk, as well.
The seriousness of the threat to your tooth
Extracting your tooth isn’t something that your dentist recommends lightly. In most cases, the preferable option for dealing with a tooth problem is to restore the tooth and repair any damage that it has sustained. If extraction is recommended, it means the threat to your tooth is more serious than typical oral health concerns. For example, the tooth might be severely damaged, making it unable to function properly and posing a threat to the surrounding oral tissues. Or, it may be impacted and forcing itself against the bone structure of your dental ridge, such as an impacted third molar (or wisdom tooth).
The importance of removing the threat
The fact that your dentist takes tooth extraction seriously means you should, too, if it’s recommended. While the nature of your condition may be different than other people who need tooth extraction, the importance of removing the threat as soon as possible is similar. For example, if the tooth is severely damaged, then any jagged or broken edges of the tooth could cause harm to the soft oral tissues that it comes into contact with. It can also disrupt the balance of your bite, leading to problems with other teeth and the jaw joints that control your bite’s movement. If the tooth is impacted, then it will continue trying to erupt, putting more force on your jawbone structure and potentially damaging the teeth nearby.
The process of extracting a tooth
The process of extracting a compromised tooth can differ depending on the specific problem. For example, simple tooth extraction involves gently grasping the tooth and loosening it from its socket, then carefully removing the tooth’s crown and root from your dental ridge. However, if the tooth is impacted, or so compromised that it has little healthy, natural structure left above the gum line, then surgical tooth extraction may be required. This involves performing minor oral surgery to fully expose all of the tooth’s structure so your dentist can successfully remove it.
Learn more about the need for tooth extraction
If your dentist recommends extracting a tooth, it’s important to take the recommendation seriously. To learn more, schedule an appointment with us by calling Dreem Dentistry in Leawood, KS, today at 913-681-5500. We also serve patients who live in Overland Park and all surrounding communities.
