Many people hope to keep their natural teeth as long as they can and try to avoid extractions if possible, but there are a few situations in which extraction may become necessary. There tends to be a negative association and fear surrounding tooth extraction, but there is no need to be afraid of this procedure. The need for tooth extraction can arise for a number of reasons and may be necessary for the maintenance of your overall oral health. Below we have outlined a few signs that may indicate the need for tooth extraction:
1) Infected Tooth
Our dentist in Fort Saskatchewan can treat decay and cavities with various treatments. It is important not to neglect these things and have them treated quickly to prevent any further spreading to other teeth and into your gums. Sometimes a tooth can become badly infected or be so severely damaged that there is no other choice than extraction. Completing the extraction will restrict further damage that the infection can cause to otherwise healthy teeth.
2) Overcrowded or Impacted Teeth
An impacted tooth is a useless tooth that grows and moves into the wrong position. Alternatively, if the teeth are large and they are not able to fit in place comfortably, that condition is called overcrowding. Overcrowding can prevent all your teeth from erupting, which in turn puts pressure on the surrounding teeth resulting in jaw pain or other dental problems. Due to these conditions, routine dental procedures can become difficult to complete, so extraction of a tooth or sometimes multiple teeth becomes necessary.
3) Fractured Tooth
An injury or sudden blow due to an accident can cause a fracture to your tooth. A fractured tooth exposes the inner pulp and can cause sensitivity in the teeth. When a tooth is fractured, it has more potential to get decayed or infected due to cavities. A fractured tooth can also have sharp edges that can injure your tongue or cheeks or make it difficult to speak, eat or swallow. In this case, a fractured tooth must be extracted to prevent any further damage to your mouth.
4) Advanced Gum Disease
Gum diseases like periodontitis or gingivitis can be reversed at the initial stage if you visit the dentist at the right time. Ignoring the problem can make it much worse and can result in receding or bleeding gums. There are rare cases in which people suffer from such advanced gum disease, where the tissues are so extremely damaged it can lead to the loss of a tooth. Tooth extraction is an important treatment in such cases to cure the problem.
If you do require an extraction, there are a number of options to fill the space that remains in your mouths such as an implant, partial denture or bridge. If you are facing any of the above issues, then contact our dental clinic and experience the excellent services we have to offer.