10 Reasons the Dentist Recommends a Tooth Extraction
There are several reasons that you may be facing a tooth extraction. One of our top Chicago dentists might recommend extracting your tooth if it’s beyond repair and has risks affecting oral and systemic health.
We understand that you might be trying to understand why you need a tooth extraction. Here are some situations where keeping the tooth poses a risk to oral health or when alternative treatments are not viable. Here are common reasons why a dentist might recommend a tooth extraction:
Severe Tooth Decay:
- If your tooth has extensive decay and can’t be saved with treatments like fillings or crowns, we might need to remove it to prevent infection from spreading to nearby teeth.
Advanced Gum Disease:
- Gum disease, if left untreated, can unfortunately lead to your teeth becoming loose and wobbly. If you’ve got gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, that’s advanced and affecting the support system of a tooth, our dentists might suggest removing it.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth:
- If your wisdom teeth have not fully emerged or are impacted, the dentist may recommend getting them pulled. Impacted wisdom teeth often cause pain and swelling and pose a risk of infection. In such cases, extraction may be advised.
Orthodontic Treatment:
- Tooth extraction is sometimes recommended as part of orthodontic treatment to address issues like overcrowding. Our board-certified orthodontist might need to create space to align the remaining teeth properly.
Fractured or Broken Teeth:
- Extraction may be the only option if your tooth is fractured or broken and cannot be restored. This is common in cases of trauma or accidents.
Failed Root Canal Treatment:
- If you’ve gotten a root canal on your tooth and it continues to have issues, extraction is likely to prevent the spread of infection.
Preventive Measures:
In some instances, teeth may be extracted as a preventive measure.
For instance, if you have a compromised immune system, the dentist might suggest taking out teeth that could potentially cause infections.
Overcrowding:
- In some cases of severe overcrowding, especially in orthodontic planning, extractions may be recommended to create space for proper alignment.
Preparation for Dentures:
- If you’re getting dentures, the dentist might recommend a tooth extraction to make room for your dentures.
Impacted or Supernumerary Teeth:
- If your teeth have not emerged properly (impacted) or have extra teeth (supernumerary), the dentist might advise extracting those teeth.
It’s important to note that extraction is typically only considered after exploring other treatment options. One of our dentists will discuss the reasons for recommending extraction and the available alternatives.
Additionally, advancements in dentistry often provide replacement options for extracted teeth, such as dental implants or bridges. Our dentists are here to help you understand the best course of action for your situation.
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