When Are Tooth Extractions Necessary?

When you go to the dentist, they all have one goal driving them to prevent you from needing to lose any of your teeth. Even though extractions are one of the most common procedures performed in the United States, they remain the dentist’s last resort. Dental sealants, inlays, onlays, bridges, and root canals will all be considered before they opt to perform an extraction. So what does it take for your dentist to recommend that you have a tooth extracted? We’ll explore this question throughout this article.

Why Is An Extraction The Last Resort?

If you’re wondering why dentist’s work so hard to avoid removing your teeth, it’s because all your teeth rely on each other to function at their best. A single tooth may not seem like a big deal, but each of your teeth shares the labor of chewing food and help all the other teeth to retain their alignment in your mouth. Once a tooth is lost, a vital part of that support structure is missing, and the whole mouth starts to suffer.

What Will Make An Extraction Necessary?

Extractions are only performed in cases where the amount of damage your teeth have sustained is beyond that which can be fixed with restoration procedures. This amount of damage can result from dental trauma due to an accident, or it can be the result of advanced decay. Certain medical conditions can also make it necessary to remove a tooth that could be otherwise saved. One common reason that extractions are performed is due to a lack of insurance coverage for other forms of dental care that could let your dentist save them.

What About Impacted Teeth?

Of all the extractions performed, the most common are those performed to solve tooth impaction. Impacted teeth are those that don’t have sufficient room to erupt into the mouth. If these teeth aren’t removed, they can cause serious damage to the other teeth. The pressure they exert can cause your teeth to move out of alignment, become cracked, and can even cause infection. The most common impactions are caused by the Wisdom Teeth, as our mouths have changed over generations to no longer be able to accommodate them.

Are Extractions OK For Baby Teeth?

Dentist’s put just as much care and effort into protecting your children’s teeth as they do yours. Baby teeth may fall out on their own, but while they’re present, they serve a critical role in your child’s dental development. These teeth help to produce proper spacing and aid in keeping adult teeth in alignment as they erupt. Even for baby teeth, extraction is a last resort.

If you’re eager to avoid having an extraction performed or feel that you may require one, reach out to Summit Dental in Lees Summit, MO. Our friendly team of dental professionals is prepared to deliver the care you need under the guidance of Dr. Brian Schowengerdt. We’re proud to serve the Lees Summit community for all their dental needs and are eager to make you part of our dental patient family.