Situations that Call for Tooth Extraction

Tooth extraction may seem like a drastic measure when it comes to oral health — especially since the whole idea of dentistry is to preserve your teeth throughout your life. Tooth extraction is serious, and it’s not something that your dentist will recommend unless it’s the best course of action. There are some cases where teeth become so damaged or infected that they cannot be restored, and they may even pose a threat to the other teeth in your mouth. If you do have a tooth removed, your dentist can fabricate a prosthetic to replace it. Here are some of the situations that call for tooth extraction.

If a Tooth Has Broken, it Should Be Extracted

There are many different degrees of physical damage that can befall a tooth. A tooth can become chipped, which alters the appearance of the tooth, but may only actually affect the surface. This type of damage can often be repaired with cosmetic dentistry or a dental crown. Then there are actual breaks. A tooth that has fractured down the middle cannot be saved by a dental crown. Any sort of breakage that affects the root structure or center of the tooth will likely cause it to become compromised past the point of saving. Teeth in this state need to be extracted.

A Tooth that Is Severely Infected Needs to Be Extracted

Tooth infections reach various stages over time. Surface cavities can typically be repaired by dental fillings. A substantial cavity may require the aid of a dental crown to heal. Infections that reach the roots of your teeth and cannot be treated by antibiotics and root canal therapy pose a serious risk for that individual tooth. They also pose a threat for your other teeth. Once your root canals become infected, the infection can spread through this pathway to other teeth and oral tissues. If your dentist can’t treat the infection, your tooth may need to be extracted to protect your other teeth.

Dental Prosthetics Fix Missing Teeth

Tooth extraction may seem tough, but it’s often the best way to protect your other teeth. After you have a tooth (or teeth) extracted, your dentist can fit you with a dental prosthetic to replace your missing teeth. Dental prosthetics like dental bridges and dentures can replace missing teeth, restoring your smile and your ability to comfortably chew. The nature of your tooth loss and the health of your remaining teeth will likely determine the type of dental prosthetic that your dentist recommends.

Save Your Smile at Greenhaven Family Dental

Although tooth extraction may not seem appealing, it’s better than losing even more of your teeth. Greenhaven Family Dental performs tooth extraction and fabricates dental prosthetics to rebuild and restore your smile. If you’re suffering from tooth pain, schedule an appointment at Greenhaven Family Dental in Baxter, MN by contacting our office at 218-454-0523.