Losing a tooth isn’t an experience reserved for children—sometimes, adults may need to have their teeth removed by a trusted dentist. While the procedure may seem intimidating, Miles Katahara DDS explains that the process is often easy, quick, and doesn’t cause much discomfort. If you’re wondering whether tooth extraction could benefit your oral health, this Kahului, HI, dentist highlights some of the most common reasons people undergo this procedure.

5 Dental Issues Tooth Extraction Can Help

1. Incoming Wisdom Teeth

When most adults think of extraction, they think of having their wisdom teeth removed. This third set of molars typically emerges during young adulthood and can cause a series of problems, including dental crowding and impaction. To prevent these issues, dentists conduct oral surgery to remove the wisdom teeth once they start to appear on X-rays.

2. Crowded Teeth

Over time, teeth can shift and move others out of position. If a tooth is at risk of causing alignment issues or crowding, your provider may recommend removing it to create more space. In some cases, orthodontics patients must have teeth removed to allow others to fall into place. 

3. Advanced Decay    

If caught early enough, tooth decay can be corrected by filling cavities or through a root canal procedure. However, if the damage is too extensive, your specialist may not be able to stop bacterial growth and preserve the original tooth. In these cases, extraction is often the best solution.

4. Gum Disease    

Gum disease, or periodontitis, is an infection of the gum tissue that can cause deterioration and other problems if left untreated. If the disease is allowed to progress, the gums may weaken and have trouble holding onto teeth. If a tooth can’t be secured to the gums, removing it may be the only option.  

5. False Teeth

If you have a few problematic teeth, you may be a candidate for full or partial dentures. To prepare your mouth for these dental prosthetics, your dentist will first have to extract the teeth that are to be replaced.   

The best way to find out if tooth extraction is right for you is to consult a dentist who has experience with the procedure. In Kahului, HI, Miles Katahara DDS can confidently address your concerns and offer thorough treatment to protect your smile. If you are a candidate for extraction, Dr. Katahara can also provide resilient and natural-looking dental implants. To schedule an appointment, contact this Maui dental office at (808) 871-6611. You can also visit the website for more information.