Teeth extractions are critical for optimizing dental health. There are several reasons why dentists perform extractions, and getting familiar with them will help you be prepared if one of them happens to you. Below are five common scenarios where a tooth may need to be removed.

When Is a Tooth Extraction Necessary?

1. Severe Cavities

Tooth decay erodes its enamel, pulp, and dentin, and when it’s severe, it reaches the root and nerves. This causes severe pain as abscesses form, and, most often, a root canal is performed to clear out the decay and try to save the tooth. However, if your dentist believes the infection will spread or if the infection comes back after the procedure, they may recommend extraction.

2. Dental Trauma

Trauma after an accident may also require extraction. Your dental team should always try to save the tooth, but some damage is irreparable. Severely damaged teeth—such as a tooth that has been broken in half—will be extracted if they pose a high risk of infection, further damage, or severe discomfort.

3. Periodontal Disease

Gum disease causes your gums to pull back from your tooth, leaving it vulnerable to decay and infection. Soft tissue grafts may be done to encourage your gums to reconnect to your tooth. If it remains loose after treatment, it may be pulled to prevent injury, infection, and discomfort, as well as halt the progress of periodontal disease in that area.

4. Full Dentures

If you only have a few natural teeth left and you want dentures, your remaining teeth can be removed to accommodate a full set. While partial dentures are an option, they can look less natural and will need updating as your natural teeth change. Full dentures give you a uniform, solid smile with minimal maintenance. Tooth removal to make way for full dentures is best when your natural teeth are already damaged or at risk of infection.

5. Impaction & Overcrowding

When a tooth can’t fully erupt, it becomes impacted, causing discomfort to you, damage to surrounding teeth, and risk of infection. Removing it is the only way to resolve the situation. Overcrowding happens when there is not enough space for your teeth, causing them to be misaligned, damaged, and susceptible to decay and gum disease. 

At BridgeView Dental Group in Kodiak, AK, you’ll receive advanced care from an experienced dentist. Whether you have a severe cavity or have an impacted tooth, they’ll do everything possible to save it, only doing extractions as a last resort. With a team of skilled dentists and professionals, their treatments cover extractions, periodontics, and 24/7 emergency care. Their facility is state-of-the-art, and they strive to make every patient’s visit a positively memorable one. Browse their services online and call (907) 486-3257 to schedule your consultation.