Reasons for Tooth Extractions
Five of the Most Common Reasons for Tooth Extraction
When a problem with your tooth is beyond repair, you may be recommended a tooth extraction by your dentist in Grand Junction, CO. Most dentists will only recommend an extraction if it’s completely necessary. In this article, Dr. Josh Eastham discusses some common reasons for a tooth extraction.
Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is the most prevalent reason for tooth extraction worldwide. Patients who require tooth extraction due to decay may have resisted visiting the dentist for teeth cleanings. You know, tooth decay normally takes years to proceed to the point of tooth loss. Tooth decay damages the enamel of the tooth in its early stages. When it wears through the enamel, the dentin, the inner layer of the tooth, begins to disintegrate.
The tooth suffers more harm when the decay reaches the center of the tooth. A root canal infection occurs when bacteria reach the tooth’s interior or pulp. The longer a patient goes without treatment, the worse the infection and destruction become. If the tooth decay has progressed to the point where it cannot be salvaged, Dr. Josh may advise extraction followed by restorative dentistry.
Our friend Dr. Kristina Neda, a dentist in Georgetown, KY, points out that cavities can be avoided if individuals get regular dental checkups and cleanings every six months, or they can be diagnosed and repaired with a simple filling.
Periodontitis
When left untreated, gum disease is equally as damaging to the teeth as tooth decay. Gum tissue and the surrounding bone that support the teeth degenerate in the advanced stages of gum disease. The teeth grow loose as the supporting components disintegrate. Gum disease will eventually cause the teeth to fall out on their own, or the teeth may require extraction in addition to gum disease and tooth replacement treatment.
Tooth Crowding
Tooth extraction may be necessary as part of a patient’s cosmetic treatment plan. If the patient’s teeth are extremely overcrowded, your Grand Junction dentist may prescribe that permanent teeth be extracted. So, this makes more room for the remaining teeth to be pushed into place so that they are all flat with one another. The majority of tooth extractions for overcrowded teeth are performed on children and teenagers.
Impacted Teeth
Additionally, an impacted tooth is one that has not erupted beyond the gum line or has erupted only partially. Overcrowding, a tooth that comes in twisted or slanted at odd angles, and a tooth that comes in misplaced are all causes of dental impaction. Because the jaw is not broad enough to accommodate these teeth, wisdom teeth are frequently impacted. Wisdom teeth removal and tooth extraction can be performed on impacted teeth for our Grand Junction, CO patients.
Contact High Desert Dental
As you can see, there are several reasons for a tooth extraction. If you need a tooth extraction, contact High Desert Dental in Grand Junction, CO. Our team is always happy to help. New patient? Check out our special offers.