Tooth Extractions to Remove Unrestorable Teeth

Ideally, we’d all love to hold on to all of our teeth and have them be bright, white and healthy. On occasion, however, it’s necessary to have a tooth extracted by a professional to maintain our overall oral health. Your dentist will take every precaution and measure to avoid a tooth extraction for the sake of just removing a tooth, but there are certain circumstances in which having a tooth pulled is the best and only option.

When Does a Tooth Need to Be Extracted?

It goes without saying that you should consult with a professional dentist before having a tooth extracted. However, there are a few telltale signs that it’s time for a tooth to go.

If a tooth is impacted or your mouth is overcrowded, you may need to have one or more teeth removed. If your teeth are pushing each other around in your mouth, that’s a sure sign of overcrowding and makes you a likely candidate for a tooth extraction.

Another sign that a tooth needs to be pulled is if it has extensive damage. The damage can be a result of either decay or trauma that results in a break or crack. If the tooth is too damaged for repair, it may be time for a removal.

A more serious sign that it’s time for a tooth extraction is when the tooth is infected. Infections happen when a decaying tooth is not treated and becomes infected. If the tooth is not removed, the infection can spread to the rest of your mouth, and that can lead to other health problems. In-fact, infected teeth that need to be extracted are one of the most common dental emergencies that we see in our office.

How Does a Tooth Extraction Work?

Even though it sounds serious and painful, tooth extractions are a very routine dental procedure. The first step is for the dentist to take x-rays to see exactly where the tooth is, how it’s shaped and the depth and direction of the roots.

Depending on the type of extraction you need, the dentist may need to cut open your gum to expose the tooth or cut the tooth into sections so it can be removed. Don’t worry – you’ll be completely numb and won’t feel any pain!

To get the tooth out, the dentist will use forceps and gently nudge the tooth out. After the extraction, the dentist will place a gauze or pad in the hole and apply stitches. After about a week it will be time for a follow up appointment to make sure the patient has healed adequately.

Find Out if You Need a Tooth Removed

The only way to know for sure if you need to have teeth removed is to visit a dentist. Once you’ve been seen in our office, Dr. Drew will perform a thorough exam and evaluation to determine if a tooth extraction is necessary. Give us a call today to make an appointment, or click the button below.