Many different types of dentistry make it possible to address all sorts of oral health concerns. Treatments such as root canals, fillings, dental crowns, and the like allow dentists to save natural teeth successfully.
Unfortunately, some teeth are damaged beyond the ability of restorative dentistry and may require extraction. Below are a few situations when extraction may be necessary.
A Broken Tooth
You can break a tooth when you least expect it — by falling, playing sports, or even biting down on an ice cube. And if a tooth has previously been jeopardized with a crack, it can break when eating something as soft as a sandwich.
Many treatments are available to save a broken tooth. Root canals, fillings, and dental crowns, for example, all clear out any damage and restore the strength and integrity of a tooth. However, these only work well if there is enough of the remaining tooth still available to work with.
A broken tooth that dips below the gumline cannot be restored. If the pulp is exposed or the remaining enamel is not sufficient due to the depth of the break, the tooth will need to be extracted.
A Tooth With Decay and Infection
Decay can create a lot of issues for your teeth. It may start on the outside of the enamel, eating its way into the center of the tooth — and down into the bone. If left alone, tooth decay can begin to spread, eventually making its way into the bloodstream which can become very dangerous.
Depending on how badly decayed the tooth is, the dentist may be able to clear it out and remove the infection with a root canal. A dental crown will help to restore its integrity and save the tooth.
If the decay is too bad, there may not be enough of the tooth left to salvage and an extraction may be needed.
An Impacted Tooth
An impacted tooth is unable to erupt through the gums fully for one reason or another, most commonly due to overcrowding or infection. This often occurs with wisdom teeth.
Leaving the tooth alone can lead to a greater risk of infection and abscess. By extracting one that is impacted, you can protect the surrounding teeth and overall oral health.
Alignment Issues
Orthodontists work hard to align bites and straighten teeth. And sometimes, throughout the smile transformation journey, a tooth (or teeth) may need to be pulled. This will open up space for teeth to move and properly align using various orthodontic treatments.
Dental or Facial Trauma
Suffering trauma to the face can significantly impact your teeth. Accidents, falls, sports injuries, fights, and the like can all lead to injury to your teeth and your jaw. In some situations, this can be quite significant.
Dentists are often able to restore the function and appearance of teeth, but doing so may require the extraction and replacement of a tooth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I don’t replace an extracted tooth?
A tooth relies on those around it to keep it in place. When a tooth is removed and not replaced with an artificial tooth, the lack of support can allow the surrounding teeth to move and shift. This can throw off bite alignment and can also result in bone loss.
Is general anesthesia used for a tooth extraction?
No, general anesthesia is not typically used for a tooth extraction. Local anesthesia to numb the area is usually all that is needed.
Tooth Extraction in the Upper East Side
Minoli & Vijay do everything they can to save a natural tooth. However, if your tooth requires an extraction, they and their team have the skill and experience to ensure a smooth extraction and the best opportunity for healing.
Address your oral health concerns today. Call 212-888-4140 to schedule an appointment.