5 Reasons Why Teeth Extractions Are Important
What Are Teeth Extractions?
Teeth extractions in Brookline, MA, are dental procedures that involve the removal of teeth. Each tooth is “extracted” directly from the alveolar bone. It is an operation that requires the expertise of dentists or oral surgeons who have gone through specialized training for this treatment.
Why Are Teeth Extractions Necessary?
Tooth removal is performed when dentists diagnose a patient who has a growing (or already full-grown) third set of molars. These teeth are called “wisdom teeth” and are usually harmless. A vast number of adults have them without experiencing any discomfort or issues.
However, some adults may experience discomfort and pain as these third sets of molars push the other teeth together. This “pushing” can result in malocclusion.
1. Irreparable Tooth Damage
When teeth are eaten away by decay to the extent that fillings, crowns, and similar treatments may not work, dental practices resort to extraction. This is much more urgent if the infection passes beyond the enamel and the dentin and reaches the pulp.
Take note that within the four basic layers of a tooth, the pulp is the third. It merely adjoins the innermost layer, which is the cementum. The pulp is comprised of connective tissues that are interconnected, and thus, rely on each other for survival.
When tooth damage reaches this portion, bacteria can fester in the pulp. Their presence will cause infections, leading to inflammation and abscesses. The best way to repair this is through tooth extraction.
2. Impacted Tooth
When wisdom teeth develop, they tend to be outside the usual set of 32 adult teeth, which means that there is little to no space for them to grow. They often emerge “impacted”, stuck beneath the gum surface, and they sometimes come out at an abnormal angle.
Impacted teeth are another source of soreness in the gum area. If left untreated, this may escalate into constant tooth pain.
By surgically removing wisdom teeth, the rest of a patient’s regular teeth can be spaced evenly, resulting in a lower risk of malocclusion.
3. Overcrowding or Malocclusion
Malocclusions that are not treatable through conventional dental orthodontics will require tooth extraction. When a patient undergoes this procedure, it will be easier for dentists to diagnose the tooth-overcrowding condition and prescribe teeth aligning or repair options.
4. Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease or “Periodontitis” is a condition wherein the bones and gums around teeth become inflamed and seriously infected. It is divided into three categories: Early Periodontitis, Moderate Periodontitis, and Advanced Periodontitis.
Periodontitis begins as “gingivitis” or gum bleeding, even with the slightest abrasion, such as brushing your teeth or flossing. These “pockets” can be breeding grounds for bacteria. Similar to gingivitis, your gums may bleed slightly whenever you brush your teeth. It turns into early Periodontitis when your gums start to recede, and the bleeding becomes more frequent.
Moderate periodontal disease will also result in bleeding gums. But this time, it will be accompanied by pain around your teeth.
Finally, teeth will deteriorate into advanced periodontal disease. The bones, gums, and related tissues are no longer functioning as they should in this phase. Severe pain and bad breath are the symptoms of this advanced stage.
This disease should be treated with caution and urgency, and an extraction is a part of its treatment. Periodontal disease can worsen and affect the cardiovascular system and respiratory system, leading to a higher risk for diabetes.
5. Tooth Damage Caused by an Accident
When teeth are subjected to strong pressures or impacts because of accidents, it is vital to preserve and restore them as early as possible. If tooth damage (i.e., chips, cracks, punctures in the gums, etc.) cannot be corrected with fillings, bonding, or crowns, then tooth extraction may be the best step to take.
Afterward, your dentist can make recommendations for restoring your smile.
Do You Need to Have Your Teeth Extracted?
Tooth extraction is a procedure used for severe tooth damage. Impacted teeth, serious tooth damage because of accidents, and badly decaying teeth are the top reasons why patients are recommended this procedure.
It is also sometimes used for cosmetic purposes in that extraction is needed before a specific dental restoration treatment can be done.
If you think you may need a tooth extraction, give us a call to schedule a consultation with our dentist at Brookline Oral Surgery. We will assess your unique situation and inform you whether or not an extraction will be necessary.