Patients may be alarmed if a general dentist mentions that a tooth extraction may be needed during a routine appointment. A dentist’s primary goal is to preserve the teeth, but there some cases where a tooth cannot be saved using normal procedures. Understanding what situations can result in tooth removal and knowing the options available to address the resulting gap can help put patients at ease as they explore treatment options.
If a tooth is in an undesirable position, injured, or damaged from improper care, a general dentist may not be able to move into the proper spot or treat the compromised tooth.
While a root canal can be used to address tooth decay that has reached the center of a tooth, if the pulp is severely infected, this procedure may no longer be a viable option. In some situations, the infection may even put the individual at risk if not removed from the mouth quickly.
Periodontal disease occurs when a patient’s gums become infected and inflamed. This problem is caused by bacteria present in plaque, which can spread to the ligaments and bones within the gums as well. Over time, deterioration of the gum tissue and surrounding structures can loosen the teeth until there is no firm foundation, leading to the tooth falling out on its own or needing to be extracted.
Teeth that are unable to erupt due to being in an undesirable position or blocked by other teeth can be problematic. In some cases, the adult teeth coming in can hit and damage other teeth that have already come through the gums. If orthodontics cannot guide the impacted teeth, a surgical extraction can remove the tooth before it causes further issues.
Sometimes teeth become crowded together if the jaw is too small to accommodate all the teeth. While aligners or braces can often be used to better space out the teeth and even open the jaw, this solution is not always possible. The dentist may recommend extracting a tooth to create more space.
Small cracks and chips can often be fixed with a dental crown, veneers, or dental bonding, but more extensive damage can result in the loss of a tooth. If a large chunk of the tooth comes off, the crack extends to the root of the tooth, or the tooth is dislodged completely, it may not be possible to save it.
After a tooth is extracted from the mouth, there are several solutions that may be recommended to fill in the space left behind. Dental restorations, such as implants, bridges, or dentures, may be used to replace the tooth, making it look and function similarly to a natural tooth. Orthodontics may also help close spaces.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp:
General Dentist Tooth Extractions in Pearl City, HI
Tooth extractions are a common solution recommended by a general dentist when other options for saving the tooth have run out. Fortunately, there are several restorative treatments patients can consider to preserve their smiles.
Request an appointment or call Diamond Head Dental Care at 808-214-9287 for an appointment in our Pearl City office.
When it comes to general dentistry practices, these offices typically include primary care dental providers. A general dentist focuses on diagnosing dental problems, treating dental issues, and overall oral health care. General dentists may provide gum care, teeth cleaning, root canals, veneers, bridges, and preventative dentistry. However, just as there are dentists that focus on…
Our general dentist can help reduce the effects of teeth grinding, also known as bruxism. Most people who grind their teeth tend to be unaware of their habit because it mainly occurs during sleep. Grinding your teeth occasionally due to being anxious or stressed out typically does not cause noticeable damage to teeth, but doing…
Visiting a general dentist for routine cleanings is essential for preventing common dental problems such as tooth decay or gum disease. While brushing and flossing every day can help remove a majority of bacteria and plaque from the teeth, it is impossible to completely remove all buildup. Frequently scheduling dental cleanings makes it possible to…
If you plan to get Invisalign®, you should know that oral hygiene is important. Read on to learn about the importance of oral hygiene during Invisalign teeth straightening treatment. This highly successful therapy straightens your teeth using custom-made transparent aligners in roughly the same length of time as conventional braces. The aligners are discreet, making…
Patients undergoing Invisalign® treatment often want to know how long they will need to wear their aligners. Read on to learn how long the aligners need to be worn. Several variables determine the length of Invisalign treatment, and one of the most important is how long you wear your aligners each day.Invisalign treatment can take…