Why does the dentist need to take my tooth out?
Here at Meavy Way Dental Practice, dental extractions are something that we are experienced in, but we try to use them only when other options have been exhausted. An extraction is a dental procedure which involves the removal of your tooth from its socket in the jawbone. Extractions are usually performed when your tooth is damaged beyond the point where we are able to repair it, or when it poses a risk to your oral health.
What are the problems which might create a need for extraction?
There are several reasons why our dentist in Plymouth may recommend a dental extraction. Here below are a few of the most common reasons we come across for extraction.
Severe tooth decay
Severe tooth decay is known to cause significant damage to a tooth, making it impossible to repair. In such cases, a dental extraction may be necessary to prevent the decay from spreading to other teeth.
Gum disease
Gum disease, or periodontitis, can be a cause for your gums to pull away from your teeth, which creates pockets that can then become infected. In the most severe cases, gum disease can cause your teeth to become loose, which means they are susceptible to damage. In such cases, a dental extraction may be necessary to help prevent further damage to the teeth and gums.
Dental trauma
Dental trauma, such as a cracked tooth or a broken tooth, can be very painful or uncomfortable. In some instances your tooth may be removed to help alleviate the pain and prevent further damage to your tooth.
Wisdom tooth complications
Wisdom teeth are usually the last teeth to emerge in your mouth, for some they emerge in adulthood. These teeth can become impacted, meaning they do not fully emerge from the gums, which may be caused by a lack of space for them to grow. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, swelling, and infection, in which case removing them may be the best route to go down.
Are there treatments which can be used instead of extraction?
Before resorting to tooth extraction, our dentist in Plymouth may recommend other treatments with the intention of trying to save your tooth. For example fillings to fill cavities and help prevent them from deepening; root canal therapy to remove infected matter (known as pulp) from within your tooth; crowns placed over your damaged tooth/teeth to protect it from further damage. If you are at risk of tooth loss due to gum disease, a dentist in Plymouth may recommend treatment in order to help address the underlying condition.
If I have to have an extraction, can my tooth be replaced?
If your tooth does need to be extracted, there are several options available for replacing it.
Dental implants are a form of artificial teeth that involve having a screw placed in the jawbone to support a replacement tooth. Implants are a popular choice for tooth replacement because they look and function like natural teeth.
A bridge is a prosthetic dental device which can be utilised to replace one or more missing teeth. Bridges are typically made from porcelain or ceramic and are held in place by the surrounding natural teeth.
Dentures are removable prosthetic devices which are most often used to replace multiple missing teeth. They can be made from acrylic, porcelain, and metal.
If you would like to know more about any of the treatments mentioned above, or you would like to book an appointment with our dentist to discuss your dental care needs, please contact us.