13 Jun Don’t Wait Too Long to Extract a Damaged Tooth
Many patients opt to pull a tooth that is still viable, but they don’t want to deal with the treatment needed to keep it. After all, it is important to keep our permanent teeth as long as we can. Unfortunately, there are circumstances that will require tooth extraction.
When a tooth has suffered trauma, extreme dental decay or excessive disease, it may be time to have the damaged tooth extracted.
When a tooth has suffered trauma, extreme dental decay or excessive disease, it may be time to have the damaged tooth extracted. As much as we want to keep our natural teeth, when there is no hope in saving the tooth, it is best to follow the advice of your dentist.
A tooth might need to be removed for several reasons:
- Broken tooth – If a tooth has broken off near the gum line, extraction is the best option when there is not enough of the tooth left to save.
- Decay – When a tooth has been repaired repeatedly, another repair could break the tooth leading to further problems such as the need for a root canal. This does not necessarily mean the tooth can’t be saved … your dentist’s assessment provides the best course of action.
- Gum disease – Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss. Ineffective dental hygiene, poor physical health, medication (such as cancer fighting drugs), tobacco use … any or all of these factors can contribute to the need to have teeth extracted.
- Trauma – Accidents contribute frequently to needing damaged teeth extracted.
- Third molars – More commonly known as wisdom teeth, these last teeth to come in quite often present problems such as being impacted or forcing overcrowding.
Is there a problem in waiting to see if the situation will improve on its own? Depending on the basis of the problem, a “wait and see” approach is usually going to create more angst and discomfort for the patient. A visit to the dentist will help to diagnose the problem and provide the best course of action.
If removing a damaged tooth is recommended, you may have the tooth extracted by your dentist. If there are concerns surrounding the extraction, a referral to an oral surgeon may be provided.
Once the decision has been made for tooth extraction, following the instructions given will help avoid complications; a discussion with your dentist will help determine the different procedures available that will enable the patient to restore function and aesthetics following tooth extraction.
Our team at the Dental Place can help you determine if you can save your tooth or need to have an extraction. Contact us today for a consultation.