Reasons You Might Need A Tooth Pulled
Tooth loss is a common problem. By the time they turn 50 years old, the average American has lost 12 permanent teeth on average, including wisdom teeth. While saving a natural tooth is preferable, there are many reasons why you might need to have a tooth pulled.
Tooth Decay
Tooth decay leads to cavities, and if the decay is too severe your dentist might not be able to save the tooth. Most cavities can be filled if they're treated quickly.
If you have a larger cavity or the decay is severe throughout the tooth, your dentist might be able to save your tooth with a root canal. If the tooth is so badly infected that a root canal can't preserve it, you'll need to have the tooth pulled.
Gum Disease
Gum disease can be a serious concern, especially in the later stages when the bone and tissue start to deteriorate significantly. As the bone that supports teeth decays from gum disease, teeth can come loose in their sockets.
Loose teeth from gum disease usually need to be pulled. After extraction, your dentist will develop a treatment plan to prevent further problems caused by gum disease.
Broken Tooth
Many times a chipped or cracked tooth can be repaired.
If you've had significant mouth trauma and have teeth that are badly broken, such as teeth that break off at the root and teeth missing most of their structure, you'll likely need to have them extracted and replaced with dental implants or dentures.
Fractured Root
Weakened teeth are susceptible to root fractures, which are long cracks that begin at the root and run up to the top of the tooth above the gums.
Many people don't even know they have a tooth with a fractured root until the crack lets bacteria in that eventually lead to a painful infection.
Most of the time if a tooth has a fractured root, it needs to be pulled, but sometimes dentists can save a tooth with this problem with a root canal.
Impacted Tooth
Wisdom teeth are some of the most common teeth people have extracted. Usually, when a wisdom tooth needs to be pulled it's because the tooth is impacted.
Impacted teeth happen when there isn't room in the mouth for the new teeth, so they stay below the surface of the gums where they can lead to pain and infection.
One of the most important things you can do to keep your teeth and gums healthy is to visit your dentist for regular examinations and cleanings at least twice a year.
Contact your dentist to schedule an appointment if you're experiencing tooth pain, a damaged tooth, or other dental issues or if you want more information about tooth extractions.
Share