Are you having problems with your teeth?
Thinking you might be in need of a dental extraction?
While it's a fear for many people, sometimes a tooth extraction is necessary and is the best choice for your teeth. In some cases, you may need
dental services
such as dental extraction to prevent larger problems from occurring. Extraction is only needed in unusual cases, but it is a necessary procedure from time to time.
But how can you tell if it's time for dental extraction? Below we'll look at the top 5 signs that you may be in need of this procedure.
1. Misplaced Teeth
One of the top signs that you may need a dental extraction is misplaced teeth, which include problems such as
impaction and crowding
.
Impaction occurs when your tooth is misplaced and has shifted somewhat or has grown in the wrong way and is now in a place that it shouldn't be. The tooth's location may not be as it should be and maybe useless to you in its current position.
Overcrowding, on the other hand, is when your teeth are crowded in one location. During crowding, there are too many teeth coming in together and there isn't enough space for them all to fit together correctly.
While these two conditions vary a bit, both problems may lead to a similar solution. There's a good chance that you may need a tooth extraction if you're experiencing either of these issues. These kinds of misplaced teeth and arrangements are problematic and may indicate that you'll need to have a tooth extracted.
2. Extensive Tooth Decay
Tooth decay occurs for several reasons and maybe the result of poor oral hygiene, a bad diet and the formation of plaque. Tooth decay is a big problem, and if left unchecked, it can lead to damaged teeth. Broken, damaged teeth that are cracked or chipped can be problematic and may lead to the need for dental extraction.
While there are other procedures that may help to cause the issues created by tooth decay, if you can catch tooth decay early, you may be able to reverse it. However, if you've already experienced an extensive amount of tooth decay an extraction may be the only option.
If you have significant damage from tooth decay, you'll want to check with a dentist to find out what the best solution is for you.
3. Infection
If you've experienced tooth decay and it has grown to the tooth's pulp, it can lead to bigger problems such as an infection. An infection can grow and lead to extensive damage in the teeth and gums, and often times, the only solution to this type of advanced infection is to have one or several teeth removed.
Infections are serious and aren't to be ignored. It's important to talk to a dentist as soon as tooth decay occurs or infection has begun.
While infection can lead to an extraction, sometimes the possibility of infection may require an extraction as well as a preventative measure. Patients with a weakened immune system, for example, may require the procedure as well.
For example, if a person is going through chemotherapy their body may not have the strength to deal with a cracked tooth or an infection effectively. In this case, it may be better for the patient to have the tooth pulled instead of risking the possibility of an infection.
4. Gum Disease
Periodontal disease
is another common reason that a tooth may need to be extracted. The disease is an infection that can affect the gums, the teeth, and the other surrounding tissues and structures. Severe periodontal disease can lead to damage of the alveolar bone and periodontal ligaments. It can also lead to an increased rate of tooth decay.
If this gum disease is reversed while it is in its early stages, there may not be a need for tooth extraction but once it advances quite a bit teeth may need to be removed. The disease gets progressively worse and once it has advanced enough there are fewer and fewer solutions. Once gum disease has led to enough tooth decay, tooth extraction maybe the only option still available.
Tooth extraction can help prevent any further damage from occurring and in many cases is the best solution available.
5. Severe Pain and Damage
Aside from damage associated with tooth decay, gum disease, and placement issues, there are other reasons that damage may occur as well.
Any damage that has occurred due to a car accident or another serious injury may also require a special fix. While solutions can vary greatly, severe damage can sometimes lead to the need for a tooth being extracted completely.
If you're experiencing very severe tooth pain, you may also need a tooth extraction.
Pain can happen due to a variety of issues related to the teeth and the jaw, and if it's bad enough, there may be limited solutions. Pain that gets worse while chewing or with pressure may be a sign of a problem. Severe jaw pain or stiffness may also be an indication that you're in need of an extraction.
Wondering If You Need a Dental Extraction?
While the above signs are not the definitive answer to whether you'll need an extraction, they can give you a good idea of what might be in store for you. If you're experiencing any of the issues above, it may be time to talk to a dentist and find out what your next step may be.
Think you may need a dental extraction?
Contact us today
to request an appointment and to learn more about what we can do for you.
