Your gums and teeth are more sensitive than you may think. A number of issues, such as gum disease and infections, can cause irreparable damage. When this occurs, tooth extractions are necessary. For most patients, it’s a simple, minimally invasive surgery that provides pain relief and boosts oral health. It’s important to act quickly, and below, you’ll find common reasons for tooth extractions.

Reasons You May Need a Tooth Extraction

1. Decay

When a tooth has decayed so badly that fillings and root canal therapy can’t salvage it, a tooth extraction is needed. Decay-causing bacteria can infect gum tissue and surrounding teeth. Serious decay is often accompanied by constant pain, though a toothache isn’t always present. It’s best to see a dentist if you have concerns. They can safely remove the tooth and ensure the rest of your mouth is healthy.

2. Shifting

Many people schedule tooth extractions when teeth begin shifting. Common occurrences are when wisdom teeth come in or when stuck baby teeth interfere with adult teeth erupting properly. Shifting and crowding can quickly misalign your smile and possibly damage gum tissue. It’s also a long and uncomfortable process. By removing the tooth, your dentist can keep your smile aligned or use braces more efficiently to correct existing misalignments.

3. Dentures

Full or partial dentures are often the best solution to extensive gum disease damage and significant oral trauma. To ensure a comfortable fit, tooth extractions may be needed. Once the dentist has an idea of what parts of the upper and lower plates to replace, they’ll remove teeth. Dentures can then be fitted to match other chewing surfaces and serve the same purpose as your natural teeth did.

Whether tooth extractions are needed or you’re just overdue for a cleaning, the dental care team at Family First Dentistry can fulfill your oral health needs. Located in Anchorage, AK, they provide an extensive scope of general and cosmetic services, including dental implants. They also offer sedation dentistry to ensure their patients’ comfort. Schedule a teeth cleaning by calling (907) 562-2820 and connect on Facebook for news, updates, and dental care advice. You can explore their practice further on their website.