Your permanent teeth should stay in your head, and the team at David C. Wood Family & Cosmetic Dentistry do everything in our power to keep it that way. However, sometimes scenarios arise when an adult tooth extraction is the only option. In most cases, an extraction is our last resort to correct your dental concern. Here is a list of five of the most common situations we run into.
1. Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is the most common reason for a tooth extraction. If left untreated, tooth decay can cause significant damage to the surrounding teeth and gums. When the pulp of your tooth becomes infected, it can be excruciating and may require a root canal or an extraction. If you are experiencing any signs of tooth decay, please get in touch with our office right away. We will work with you to develop a treatment plan to restore your smile and protect your oral health. If that means pulling a tooth, then we’ll likely do it.
2. Overcrowding
Overcrowded teeth make it difficult to brush and floss properly. Additionally, their arrangement can lead to an increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease. We may recommend extracting one or more teeth to create more space in your mouth in severe cases. In some cases, your overcrowding could be a result of wisdom teeth, in which case, their extraction is a very common procedure. Dentists like to take these out prior to their eruption. However, failing to remove them and allowing them to come in could leave you with an overcrowding situation and a much more painful oral surgery down the road.
3. Impaction
An impacted tooth is one that has failed to erupt fully. This can be due to a number of factors, such as overcrowding or a misaligned jaw. When an impacted tooth fails to erupt, it can cause serious damage to the surrounding teeth and gums. In some cases, we may recommend extracting the impacted tooth before it causes any more damage.
4. Traumatic Injury
A traumatic injury, such as a sports-related accident or a car accident, can cause extensive damage to your teeth. In some cases, the damage may be so severe that we have to extract the tooth. Traumatic injuries can also cause dental fractures in your jaw. If you are experiencing any pain or swelling after an injury, please contact our office right away. We will assess the damage and work with you to develop a treatment plan.
5. Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is a serious infection of the gums and tissues surrounding the teeth. Left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss. In some cases, we may recommend extracting one or more teeth as part of your treatment plan. As we age, it’s not uncommon to see seasoned adults with more periodontal disease than we’d like. The build-up of plaque and tartar can create deep grooves for food and other particles over time. Thus, leading to further tooth decay below the gumline. The result is tooth loss. In some cases, we may recommend extracting one or more teeth as part of your treatment plan.
Book an Appointment
Having any type of tooth extraction or cosmetic dentistry procedure done can be a little unsettling. But here at David C. Wood Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we make sure your visit is as pleasant as possible. Not only is it our mission to restore your smile, but we also want to provide the best service. So, if you live in Carmel or Fishers, IN, and need restorative care, full mouth rehabilitation, or even periodontal treatment, give us a call at (317) 844-0592.