Dentists will do everything possible to preserve your permanent teeth. However, some cases may compel a dentist in Vestavia Hills, AL, to perform a tooth extraction.
The idea of manually removing your tooth from your mouth can be dreadful. However, dentists are trained to skillfully extract your tooth while keeping you comfortable and relaxed throughout the procedure. Why do dentists recommend tooth extractions?
Why Do I Need to Have My Tooth Extracted?
What Is a Tooth Extraction?
A tooth extraction is a dental procedure that removes your tooth from its socket. There are two types of tooth extractions: simple and surgical.
A simple tooth extraction may be necessary if the tooth is visible or has broken off at the gum line. To remove the tooth, your dentist will administer local anesthesia to numb the area. Applying anesthesia helps minimize the pain and discomfort during the extraction process.
The instruments typically used in a simple extraction are an elevator and forceps. The elevator loosens the tooth from the bone while the forceps securely hold the tooth for extraction.
- Surgical Extraction
When the tooth is not accessible, dentists perform a surgical extraction. It involves incising the gum tissues that surround and cover the tooth in question. A drill is sometimes used to remove nearby bone tissues. For complex cases, the dentist may break the tooth into several pieces to make the extraction easier.
Why Is a Tooth Extraction Necessary?
#1 Severe Tooth Decay
When tooth decay extends beyond the dentin, reaches the dental pulp, and causes a severe infection, your dentist will have no choice but to remove the tooth. However, if they can still save the tooth, they will perform a root canal treatment to stop the infection from spreading.
#2 Impacted Tooth
The tooth is considered impacted if the gums prevent it from fully emerging into the mouth. Your dentist will recommend an extraction if the impacted tooth is causing pain and swelling in your gums and jawbone.
Another reason why it needs to be removed is to reduce its risk of decay and infection. Impacted teeth are difficult to clean, making them prone to tooth decay. Impaction can also lead to crowding resulting in teeth misalignment.
#3 Cracked Tooth
A cracked tooth may need to be extracted if it cannot be repaired and is causing discomfort, infection, or affecting the neighboring teeth. In some cases, a crack may extend below the gum line, making it challenging to repair, or it may compromise the tooth's structural integrity, making it susceptible to further damage.
If the crack cannot be treated with a filling, crown, or other restorative treatment, extraction may be recommended to prevent the spread of infection or to preserve the health of the surrounding teeth.
See a Dentist in Vestavia Hills, AL
If you need to have your tooth extracted, only trust the best. At Highlands Dental Arts, we provide a dental solution to every problem. Our team has years of experience and the expertise to give you a smile you deserve. We use the latest technology to make every visit a breeze. Contact us for an appointment, and let’s get started on your dental health journey.
