The ultimate goal of dentistry is to maintain your oral health and keep your teeth in place for life. However, that is not always possible due to a variety of factors. There are many restorative procedures that can often save teeth, but in some cases there is no other option but extraction. Severe decay or damage to a tooth may mean it can’t be restored. Gum disease infectionscan cause severe support loss. Removing the tooth may be the best option for your oral health.
When is a tooth beyond saving? Learn what situations lead to the need for tooth extraction.
Your Tooth May Need to Be Extracted in the Following Cases:
- Severe decay. Plaque bacteria can eat away at your tooth enamel, causing cavities. Depending on the size, cavities can sometimes be filled. But when the decay is so widespread that there isn’t enough tooth material left, it may need to be extracted.
- Significant damage. A tooth that is broken or sustained trauma may be too damaged to save and will need to be extracted.
- The tooth was out of the mouth too long. If a tooth gets knocked out or falls out, it needs to be put back in place within 30 minutes. The tooth may not recover if it is out too long, and will then need to be extracted later.
- Lack of support. A tooth that does not have adequate support from the jaw and gum tissue may need to be extracted. Gum disease can cause deterioration of the support structures for the teeth.
- Severe Infection. A tooth that has developed a serious infection from gum disease or root canal issues may necessitate extraction.
How Will I Know if My Tooth Needs To Be Extracted?
An evaluation by your dentist or dental specialist can determine if a tooth can be saved or if it will need to be extracted. This usually involves a visual assessment as well as dental X-rays to get a complete picture of the tooth and root structure. If there is any opportunity to save the tooth, every effort will be made to preserve it.
What to Expect From The Extraction Procedure
A tooth extraction is a relatively simple procedure. Local anesthesia can be used to numb the area. Then the tooth is gently loosened from the socket and removed. A few sutures may be used to control bleeding and encourage faster healing. In some cases a socket bone graft may be used to preserve or prepare the socket for the future placement of a dental implant.
Replacement Options For Extracted Teeth
It is almost always in the best interest of your oral health to replace a missing tooth rather than leave an empty space. This will keep your teeth in proper alignment. Options for replacement include:
- Dental implant. A dental implant is an artificial tooth and root system that is surgically placed in the jaw bone. It completely replaces the natural tooth and its root for a secure anchor in the jaw. This also prevents bone loss in the jaw due to the absence of a tooth root. The implant replacement will usually create the most natural replica of the tooth you lost.
- Dental bridge. A dental bridge can replace one or a few missing teeth by attaching to the healthy teeth on each side of the gap. This provides a fully functional replacement, but requires the preparation of the adjacent teeth and still allows bone loss to occur under the bridge. It is more difficult to maintain the bridge which can lead to the risk of cavities or gum disease.
- Dentures. When multiple or all of the teeth need to be extracted, partial or full dentures can replace them. Traditional removable dentures attach to the gums via suction and adhesives. A removable partial denture replaces only some of the teeth and has clasps on the remaining teeth to hold it in. Implant-supported or retained dentures attach to dental implants placed in the jaw. These implant replacement dentures may be removable or non-removable.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tooth Extraction
Does tooth extraction hurt?
Local anesthesia is used to numb your mouth in the area of the extracted tooth. You should not experience any discomfort during the procedure. You may need some over the counter pain medication for the first 24-48 hours to manage any soreness you may feel after the local anesthesia wears off.
Do the stitches have to be removed later?
The type of stitches used for dental procedures may be self-dissolving, meaning they will eventually dissolve away as you heal. There is no need to have them removed in most cases.
Contact Progressive Periodontics and Implant Dentistry
Progressive Periodontics and Implant Dentistry provides a wide range of periodontal services, including tooth extraction and replacement. Contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.