While your dentist will do everything possible to keep all of your teeth healthy, they may need to extract one at some point. Tooth extractions can prevent the spread of dental complications and relieve pain in many cases. The following are just some of the reasons why your dentist may recommend a tooth extraction as part of your treatment. 

Why Might You Need a Tooth Extraction?

1. Teeth Crowding

When your mouth does not have enough space for your teeth to grow in straight, you might experience overcrowding. Braces and other orthodontic devices can correct this spacing, but the dentist may need to extract some teeth beforehand. The orthodontic treatment can then effectively shift the teeth into place so that your mouth won’t overcrowd. 

2. Infection

Advanced tooth decay can often cause a tooth to become infected. While a dentist might prescribe antibiotics and root canal therapy to preserve the tooth, this is not always possible. In some cases, they will need to extract the tooth in order to prevent the infection from spreading to the rest of your mouth.

3. Periodontitis 

When gum disease becomes more severe, it can turn into periodontitis. Patients with periodontitis often have plaque buildup in the gums. Over time, the patient might not have enough healthy gum tissue to keep the tooth in place. In these cases, a dental professional may recommend a preventative tooth extraction. 

4. Fractured Tooth

When you bite down on a hard candy or are hit during a sport, you might experience a fracture underneath the gum line. Generally, a tooth extraction can help this type of fracture. Once your dentist extracts the tooth, they will use restorative solutions, such as implants. 

Whether you are in need of a tooth extraction or routine cleaning, you can trust the dentists at Valley Family Dentistry, PLLC. We have been working with patients in Fulton County, NY, for 28 years. We offer treatments like fillings, implant restorations, root canal therapy, crowns, and bridges. We also provide comprehensive diagnostics such as VELscope^® oral cancer screenings. To view a full list of our services, visit us online today. You can also call us at (518) 661-6405 to make an appointment.