Taking care of your smile on a regular basis is important, as there are several factors that can negatively influence your oral health. Indeed, tooth decay, periodontal infections, dental emergencies and more can lead to difficulties eating, biting, and chewing, and worst of all, may even lead to tooth loss. Although it is nobody’s first choice to lose a permanent tooth, sometimes a dental extraction may be just what one needs in order to better prioritize his or her oral health. In today’s blog, your Leawood, KS dentist identifies situations in which tooth extraction is ideal, as well as what to expect from your treatment.
A Tooth Beyond Saving
Although there are several factors that can contribute to a dental infection or complication, the most common one out there has to be tooth decay. Indeed, decay affects millions of people every year in some way, shape, or form, and many people may not even be aware there is an issue until it has progressed significantly.
You see, decay begins on the microscopic level, where oral bacteria lurk in the hard-to-clean areas of the mouth and feed off of food particles. Sugar, in particular, is a favorite that causes these microorganisms to produce a destructive acid. This acid eats away at the protective layer of dental enamel and into the inner portions of a tooth.
Early restorative intervention can certainly save your tooth, but waiting too long for treatment will ultimately end up in the loss of the structure. If a tooth is compromised beyond saving but has not fallen out on its own, it could be beneficial to have the structure removed. To learn more about this process and how our team can help, give us a call today.
A threat to Neighboring Teeth
The biggest threat that arises from tooth decay is not necessarily the loss of a single tooth, but the spread of infection to target your entire smile. Even when a tooth is so infected it cannot be saved, the infection itself will continue to spread and influence your other neighboring teeth.
Your dentist may recommend a tooth extraction if other structures are at risk of damage and infection. Contact our team to learn more today.
When Your Functional Capabilities are Impacted
In addition to the reasons mentioned above, your dentist may also recommend a dental extraction if a compromised tooth is impacting your functional capabilities. For example, decay spreads to damage the sensitive nerves housed in the tooth roots. This then causes discomfort, sensitivity, and even pain, making routine tasks such as biting and chewing much more of a chore than they have to be.
Learn More Today
Contact Dreem Dentistry in Leawood, KS by calling 913-681-5500 to schedule your next appointment with our team and learn more about situations in which a tooth extraction can be ideal for prioritizing your oral health.
