Need Tooth Extraction? Here Are a Few Things You Should Know

Given the many options you have for saving and restoring teeth these days, tooth extraction can seem like it isn’t really necessary anymore. If you could save the tooth, then why remove it? When a tooth can be saved, then restoring it is the best option; however, there are instances when a tooth cannot be fixed, or it’s in such a position that restoring it isn’t an option anyway. At our Saxonburg, PA, dental office, we may recommend extracting a tooth if its presence threatens the rest of your oral health. We may also suggest planning to replace the tooth after it’s extracted to better preserve your smile.

It isn’t a good idea to wait

Because you have so many options to restore a tooth, the fact that extraction is necessary means that the tooth is severely compromised. Most dental health concerns only grow worse with time, and depending on the specific reason for needing extraction, that may include more severe complications with the rest of your oral health. Extracting a tooth is meant to remove a tooth that can’t function, but also to remove the threat that it may pose to the rest of your teeth, oral tissues, jawbone structure, and more. Hesitating or waiting for tooth extraction could increase your risks of such consequences.

It can sometimes be avoided

If you don’t yet need tooth extraction, then you may have a chance to avoid it by addressing any dental health concerns you have as soon as possible. The need for tooth extraction can stem from a wide variety of reasons, including wisdom tooth impaction, a severely infected tooth, structural damage that has grown too extreme, and more. Treating tooth infection or a cracked or fractured tooth as soon as possible can stop the condition from growing worse and restore your tooth’s ability to function properly. While an impacted wisdom tooth will almost always need extraction, doing so promptly can help you avoid damage or complications with your other teeth.

You should plan for after the extraction

Extracting a severely compromised tooth could be vital to your long-term oral health, but so is your bite’s ability to balance itself and function properly. With the exception of wisdom teeth, the loss of a tooth impacts that ability, and we may recommend replacing your extracted tooth as soon as possible. For example, a dental implant and crown can restore your lost tooth’s root and visible crown, fully restoring your smile after the threat of the compromised tooth has been removed.

Find out if you need tooth extraction

Tooth extraction isn’t often recommended, but when it is, you shouldn’t hesitate to seek treatment. For more information, schedule a consultation by calling Saxonburg Dental Care in Saxonburg, PA, today at (724) 352-4440.