Tooth Extraction

5 Reasons You May Need Tooth Extraction

Nobody wants to hear the dreaded words “tooth extraction” from their dentist. However, sometimes, it is the best option for a healthy smile. Check out these five reasons you may need a tooth extraction, and why it is a good idea to allow your dentist to pull that tooth.

1. Severe Damage

A quick filling here and there can fix minor cavities. However, if you have failed to take care of your teeth, you may experience severe damage, such as major decay, cracks or chips. In some situations, your dentist can rebuild the tooth and strengthen/protect it with a dental crown. However, depending on the extent of damage, your dentist may prefer to extract the tooth to prevent future problems or pain.

2. Impaction

Teeth are supposed to grow upright, but occasionally, they grow with a slant. This is known as an impacted tooth, and it is common in wisdom teeth. With an impacted tooth, the tooth grows in at an angle. This can cause the tooth to grow into other teeth, causing damage, pain and infection. These teeth can’t usually be fixed by braces, so they are typically removed to prevent future problems.

3. Crowded Teeth

Braces are usually the first choice to correct crowded teeth. Unfortunately, braces alone aren’t always enough. If you have a small mouth and don’t have enough room in your mouth for all your teeth, braces won’t give you a beautiful smile. Your bite may be off or your teeth may just not look perfect. In this case, your dentist may suggest removing some teeth to allow room for the existing teeth. Your dentist will only remove necessary teeth that will give you a beautiful smile.

4. Supernumerary Teeth

Believe it or not, you can get extra teeth. Known as supernumerary teeth, they can grow in any spot, but they are common in wisdom teeth. For example, you get all four of your wisdom teeth removed, but suddenly, a few extra teeth start growing in their place. In some cases, the supernumerary teeth are fully grown teeth, but they may also be partial teeth. If the supernumerary teeth grow too close to healthy teeth, they can cause overcrowding and difficultly during cleaning.

5. Non-Erupted Teeth

Teeth are supposed to break through your gums and become fully functioning tools for eating and speaking. However, some teeth don’t completely break through the gums. Again, this is common in the wisdom teeth because there isn’t much room in your mouth. Teeth that aren’t fully erupted may not seem like a serious problem, especially if they are just your wisdom teeth, but they can cause pain and infection. Nothing can cause these teeth to fully erupt, so it is best to have them removed.

Sometimes, you need a tooth extraction, but luckily, there are many ways to replace missing teeth, such as dental bridges and dental implants, so you don’t have to suffer with an imperfect smile. For more information, contact Landmark Dental Group in Santa Cruz today.