The Importance of Extracting Damaged Teeth
Damaged teeth, even those that do not seem to be all that serious, need to be examined right away. Ignoring tooth damage can have dire consequences for your oral health, and your quality of life. Damage can worsen over time, weakening the affected tooth, leaving it more susceptible to further harm, including splitting or shattering. The tooth is also placed at risk for developing an infection.
Because the teeth are so important, the ideal treatment is to restore the tooth. This is typically done with a filling or crown. These treatments restore your oral health, preventing further damage. However, if the damage is too severe, dental restorations may not be possible. In these situations, it is best to extract the damaged tooth and provide you with a replacement.
Do My Teeth Need to be Removed?
After tooth damage, it is important to have an exam done as soon as possible. We look over your mouth, checking the extent of the damage and examining your gums. We also take X-rays of your mouth, which will enable us to see the roots of your teeth and your jawbone. After we have fully assessed the extent of the damage, we can then determine the best course of action, including if a simple tooth extraction is required. Common reasons for a simple tooth extraction include:
| • | Tooth fractures that extend below the gum line. These include cracks that start in the crown of the tooth as well as those that are entirely below the gum line and cannot be seen with the naked eye. |
| • | Severe tooth decay. If the tooth is too decayed, a filling may put the tooth at risk for further harm. At the same time, there may not be enough healthy tooth structure remaining to support a crown. |
| • | Overcrowding. When teeth are overcrowded, orthodontic treatment can help. For your teeth to be properly aligned, a tooth may need to be removed. |
How is a Simple Extraction Done?
Simple tooth extraction is a fairly straightforward procedure. We begin by providing you with a local anesthetic, which aids in ensuring your comfort during treatment. A special tool called an elevator is used to loosen the gum tissue and the periodontal ligament from around the tooth. Next, the tooth is gripped with forceps and moved back and forth to widen the socket and loosen the tooth further. Once the tooth is loose enough, we can then lift it out of the socket. After healing from your extraction, we then replace your tooth.
If saving a damaged tooth is not possible, an extraction often becomes necessary. For more information on simple extractions, and to schedule your consultation, call Aesthetic Dentistry of Bend - Thomas E. Wold, DMD at (541) 389-0261 today.