Why should I have a tooth extracted?

Sometimes a tooth experiences decay or damage, and crowns, root canals, or fillings can be employed to restore the tooth. But in some cases, the damage to the tooth is too severe. If that is the case, the patient may be referred to an oral surgeon to have the tooth or teeth removed.

The oral surgery team at Greater Modesto Dental Implant & Oral Surgery Center will make every attempt to save your natural tooth or teeth before performing an extraction. If an extraction is necessary, we will provide the patient with the best options for tooth replacement.

The following conditions in the mouth can contribute to the need for dental extractions:

Dental Crowding. Sometimes, the jaw bone is too small to accommodate all of the patient’s teeth. Due to the lack of space, the teeth in the mouth become crowded and must be extracted. Crowding may also occur if adult teeth grow in before their baby teeth have fallen out.

Periodontal (Gum) Disease. Periodontal (or gum) disease is one of the most common causes of tooth loss. When gum disease occurs, it affects both the tissues around the tooth and the bone beneath the gums, causing the tooth to loosen, which in turn requires extraction.

Dental Decay. Advanced dental decay is a major cause of tooth loss. For example, if a cavity is not treated, the decay can invade the root of the tooth and affect the blood supply resulting in significant pain and severe infection. These types of infections are very serious and can potentially be life-threatening. For most patients, treatment involves the extraction of the infected teeth, along with antibiotic therapy and possibly an additional surgical procedure to drain any existing infections.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I NEED A TOOTH REMOVED?

At your first appointment, we will perform a thorough oral exam of the tooth (or teeth) that are at risk and complete an X-ray evaluation to determine the best course of treatment for you. Various factors are taken into consideration when determining the best method for tooth removal, including medical history, oral health, the presence of gum disease, the tooth’s relationship to other teeth and structures in the mouth, and your personal preferences.

Many patients who have a tooth removed choose to receive dental implants to replace the missing tooth, and dental implants can often be placed at the same time that the tooth is extracted. Many patients also undergo a special bone grafting procedure called socket preservation to ensure that their jaw bone shape is maintained following treatment.

If you think you may be in need of a tooth extraction or have been told by your dentist that you need to have a tooth removed, we encourage you to contact our office. Our friendly front desk staff is happy to help you schedule an initial consultation.