There are many reasons why you may need to have a tooth pulled. Here are six signs that your dentist might recommend tooth removal.
1. Tooth pain
Tooth pain doesn’t always mean you have to get a tooth extraction. A painful tooth could result from sensitive teeth or a cavity. However, in some cases, you may need your tooth removed if:
- It is still painful after a filling, root canal, or crown procedure
- It is becoming infected
- It is too badly damaged
2. Crowding
It may be that there is not enough room in your mouth for all your teeth to properly fit. If so, your teeth will end up quite crooked and displaced. Some risks can arise if you have crowded teeth, including:
- Tooth decay
- Gum disease
- Pain or discomfort
- Difficulty chewing
Tooth removal will create more space in your mouth and allow your teeth to occupy a more natural and healthy position.
Misaligned teeth can also be fixed with orthodontic treatments like braces. However, for braces to work properly, you may need more room in your mouth for the teeth to move into position.
Tooth removal will likely be recommended in this circumstance.
3. Gum disease
If you don’t take proper care of your teeth and gums, you may end up with gum disease. Gum and periodontal disease can affect your gums as well as your teeth. Bacteria can eat away at the bones supporting your teeth and eventually your teeth can begin to rot away, making things like chewing difficult. The bacterial infection can also spread from tooth to tooth.
Your dentist may recommend tooth removal if:
- The tooth is abscessed and infected
- The tooth is loose and not supported
- The infection is spreading to bone, other teeth, or soft tissue.
Routine cases of gum disease do not generally require teeth extraction. It is only when the infection becomes quite serious that tooth removal might be required to stop the spread of the infection and protect other teeth.
4. Impacted wisdom teeth
Wisdom teeth are commonly extracted. These teeth often start growing crookedly after eruption or crowd your other teeth, which may be grounds for extraction.
However, impacted wisdom teeth are wisdom teeth that don’t erupt properly and remain impacted in the bone. If this happens, you will need them removed.
5. Severe tooth decay
If a tooth is so damaged by tooth decay that root canals or fillings are not possible, tooth removal will likely be the only option to alleviate any pain and stop the spread of any infection.
6. Broken or chipped teeth that cannot be repaired
Teeth can be broken as a result of injury or accident. Most of the time, your dentist is able to repair broken teeth through procedures like crowns. However, in some cases, this may not be possible, such as where the tooth has broken off below the gum line.
Surgical removal of the remaining parts of the tooth will likely be the only alternative if this occurs.