Like all dental treatments, tooth extraction is typically a customized procedure that your dentist only recommends when absolutely necessary. Because the treatment involves removing a tooth, however, it can be more complex than other procedures, and in many cases, require further treatment to restore and preserve the rest of your smile. Today, we examine a few things you should know about tooth extraction, including why your dentist might recommend it and what you should do next for optimal results.
When It’s Usually Necessary
The goal of restoring your smile isn’t just to improve it, but also to help you preserve your natural, healthy tooth structure and oral tissues. The only time tooth extraction is necessary is when the tooth can’t be preserved or saved, such as:
- A tooth that doesn’t have enough healthy structure left due to severe damage
- A tooth that is too severely infected to restore
- A tooth that is impacted by other teeth (such as wisdom teeth)
- A tooth that is severely crooked and interferes with orthodontic treatment
- A tooth with a fractured or broken root
How to Preserve Your Smile
Once your tooth is extracted, the threat to the rest of your oral health is removed. However, the loss of the tooth may still impact your bite’s function and your risks of developing a dental disease. To avoid these risks, your dentist may recommend replacing the tooth as part of your treatment plan, preferably with a highly lifelike, dental implant-supported crown. By replacing the root of your tooth as well as its visible crown, your dentist can help you avoid the consequences of extracting a tooth while rebuilding your smile with the most realistic tooth replacement.
When a wisdom tooth is impacted
Wisdom tooth impaction is one of the most common reasons behind tooth extraction. Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are often extraneous, meaning your bite doesn’t rely on them to function properly. It also means you may not have enough room on your dental ridges to erupt properly. An impacted wisdom tooth can cause severe discomfort as it pushes against the nearby teeth, and extracting it is the only way to stop it.
When a damaged tooth can’t be restored
Cracked, fractured, and broken teeth can often be restored with a custom-made, lifelike dental crown. However, some cases of tooth damage are so severe that even completely capping the tooth isn’t enough to restore it. For instance, if the majority of the tooth’s structure is compromised, or if the root is cracked or broken, then your dentist might have to extract and replace the tooth to restore its health and function.
Did your dentist suggest that you need to take a tooth out
Tooth extraction can be an excellent way to save your smile from serious trouble, but your dentist will help you ensure it’s your best option before recommending the procedure. To learn more, schedule a consultation by calling us at 847-234-0517. We also proudly serve residents of Chicago and all surrounding communities in the Chicago Metro area.