Tooth extraction is often seen as a sort of “last resort” treatment. Throughout the life of your teeth, your dentist will do all they can to preserve and protect them. Hopefully you do what you can at home by cleaning them regularly. When an oral health problem becomes significant enough — due to infection, or structural issues — your dentist may turn to tooth extraction. The goal of tooth extraction is to preserve your other teeth by removing a potential threat. After tooth extraction, your dentist can help you choose a prosthetic to replace the missing tooth.
Serious Root Damage Is Cause for Extraction
The roots of your teeth are incredibly strong. While you can’t see those roots, they play a vital role. Your roots hold your teeth in place within your jawbone. A stable root structure is vital for the overall health of your tooth. If your root becomes fractured by physical damage, it’s difficult to salvage the tooth. This is a case when your dentist might choose extraction. Additionally, if an infection spreads to your roots and becomes so severe that root canal therapy can’t save the tooth, again, your dentist might call for tooth extraction.
Gum Disease Can Lead to Tooth Extraction
Your gum health is just as important as the health of your teeth. Much like your teeth, your gums can harbor bacteria that build up over time. Eventually, that bacteria will cause inflammation. This is known as gingivitis. While you can treat and reverse gingivitis, you can’t treat the more advanced form of gum disease: periodontitis. This stage of the condition caused the degradation of your jawbone. That will ultimately weaken the support for the roots of your tooth. As gum disease progresses, you may eventually need to have your tooth extracted.
Dental Prosthetics Replace Missing Teeth
While extraction can feel like a literal loss, you don’t have to continue life with missing teeth. Your dentist can fabricate a dental prosthetic to replace your missing tooth. A dental bridge can be used to replace a single tooth, or a series of missing teeth. Dental implants can replace individual teeth with a root-like structure. Dentures are used to replace many missing teeth with a single prosthetic. Choosing the right dental prosthetic is a matter of understanding your individual situation.
Save Your Teeth at Greenhaven Family Dental
Tooth extraction is performed to prevent additional damage from happening to healthy teeth. If you have chronic tooth pain, see your dentist as soon as possible. Tooth extraction may be the answer, but your dentist can address all of your questions. At Greenhaven, we create a comfortable environment that is supportive to patients. Schedule an appointment with Greenhaven Family Dental in Baxter, MN by calling 218-454-0523.