6 Reasons Why You May Need a Tooth Extraction

cartoon of tooth extraction

While visiting your dentist for a biannual checkup and cleaning, they noticed something wrong with one of your teeth. After a thorough examination, they decided that the best course of action is to remove it. Though learning that you need to have a tooth pulled is never a great situation to be in, there are several things that can lead to this. Read on to learn about six reasons why you might need to have a tooth extracted as well as how the procedure works.

5 Common Reasons for Tooth Extractions

As previously mentioned, there are several things that can lead to the need for a tooth extraction. A few common ones are:

  • Irreparable damage – If a tooth is severely decayed, your dentist may not be able to save it with a root canal. In this case, the tooth will need to be pulled instead.
  • Overcrowding – For those looking to receive braces or Invisalign, overcrowded teeth will make it difficult for them to successfully undergo treatment. Your dentist may need to pull teeth so the remaining ones can move into the right positions.
  • Treating severe gum disease – If this gum infection has progressed far enough, you may need to have teeth extracted. This is because the bone in that area may be too badly damaged or plaque continues to build up even after other measures have been taken.
  • Trauma or injury – If a tooth is injured badly enough, it may die and need to be pulled.
  • Wisdom tooth extractions – If you don’t have enough room in your mouth for a third set of molars, your wisdom teeth may need to be extracted.

What Does a Tooth Extraction Entail?

Before proceeding with the tooth extraction, your dentist or oral surgeon will administer dental sedation to make sure you’re comfortable throughout treatment. They will simply extract the tooth from the socket. It’s worth noting that there are two main kinds of extraction. Simple extractions are performed on visible teeth, and surgical extractions are done for teeth that aren’t easily accessible. Surgical extractions also usually involve the use of local anesthesia and making an incision in the gums to access the tooth.

Getting a tooth extraction might sound scary at first, but this common procedure is nothing to worry about. With a skilled dental team, the procedure will be over in no time and your smile will be back on the right track!

About the Author

Roman Dental is a Houston-based practice that’s led by Dr. Roman Kotlarek. Though he was raised in the Milwaukee area, Dr. Kotlarek takes pride in helping his Texas patients care for their pearly whites and maintain optimal oral health. If you have a tooth that’s causing you issues, he offers a range of treatment options, including tooth extractions to remedy the issue. With his help, your smile will be as good as new before you know it! Call Roman Dental at (281) 920-4200 or visit their website to schedule an appointment with Dr. Kotlarek or to learn more about tooth extractions.