3 Reasons You May Need a Tooth Extraction
Most people would say that getting a tooth extraction is like, well, pulling teeth. Even though you probably don’t want to do it, you most likely have to. If a tooth cannot be saved or if leaving it will negatively impact your other teeth, it’s gotta go. You must always consider your overall oral health and remember, it’s better to remove one tooth rather than lose many.
The experts at the Oral and Facial Surgery Institute can determine whether or not you need to have a tooth pulled. Here are a few common reasons you may need a tooth extraction. For more information, contact one of the friendly staff members at OFSI!
Impaction
When a tooth is impacted, that means it is blocked or “stuck” underneath the gum line. This can cause trouble for your surrounding teeth, and it will most likely need to be pulled. Impacted teeth can be very painful, so if you have concerns raise them immediately with your dentist.
Overcrowding
Crowding of the teeth is called malocclusion. It can be due to genetic factors as well as childhood habits that caused alignment issues. Impacted teeth can also cause overcrowding.
This can lead to jaw pain, improper function of the teeth, and premature wear or inadequate cleaning. If you have severe overcrowding, one or two teeth may need to be pulled to make room for the others. This is especially common in preparation for alignment by way of braces.
Tooth decay
Most people have gotten a cavity or two in their lives. However, what people may not know is that cavities can grow and continue to decay your tooth to the root, letting bacteria reach deep below your enamel. If your tooth cannot be saved with a root canal, you may need to have it extracted. Otherwise, the decay can lead to infection if left untreated.
It is important to have cavities taken care of in their early stages before it gets to the point of extraction.
We know tooth extractions aren’t everyone’s favorite thing, but the process is nowhere near as painful or dreadful as most might imagine.
The Oral and Facial Surgery Institute will always offer you sedation options to ensure you feel comfortable. Local anesthetic can numb the area around the tooth being removed and if chosen, be combined with nitrous oxide sedation to calm anxiety around oral surgery. These are both options that do not cause drowsiness, making for a convenient experience. It is our goal to ensure you walk out of our office feeling better than ever about your smile.