When you have oral health problems, Dr. Jon Erickson at Danville Family Dentistry will do everything he can to restore your teeth and gums. However, sometimes, Hendricks County patients have toothaches, jaw pain, or throbbing gums that just can’t be fixed with restorative dental treatment. In situations like these, Dr. Erickson may be required to perform a tooth extraction to protect the rest of your teeth.
While a dental extraction may sound scary, in fact, it’s a routine procedure. However, Dr. Erickson does perform extractions as a last resort when he can’t save your tooth. Here are five of top reasons why you may have to have your tooth pulled.
No. 1: Your Tooth Is Severely Damaged or Decayed
Your tooth can become damaged or decayed due to various reasons. An accident to your mouth could damage your tooth. Or, your genetic background or poor oral health hygiene could cause severe tooth decay. If your tooth is too badly damaged or decayed to be fixed with a filling, crown, or root canal, Dr. Erickson will need to remove it. If the tooth isn’t pulled, the decay will spread.
No. 2: Your Tooth Is Infected
If tooth decay or damage spreads into your tooth’s pulp (the center of the tooth that contains the nerves and blood vessels), bacteria can get into the pulp and cause an infection. In many cases, a root canal can correct this problem. But, sometimes, the infection is too severe for the tooth to be fixed. When this occurs, a tooth extraction is required to stop the infection from getting worse and spreading.
No. 3: You Have Advanced Gum Disease
Gum or periodontal disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss for people in Hendricks County. During the latter stages of gum disease, the gums pull away from the teeth. Pockets form between the teeth and gums, which become infected. If gum disease is left untreated, the bones, gums, and tissue that support the teeth are destroyed, and the teeth become loose. At this point, tooth extraction is unavoidable.
No. 4: Your Tooth Is Impacted
When a tooth is impacted, it becomes wedged under your gums and is unable to emerge. Or, sometimes, a tooth may be partially emerged, but there isn’t enough room in your mouth for it to fully surface. Impacted and partially impacted teeth can cause pain, infections, and damage to your other teeth. In these cases, your tooth must be removed.
No. 5: Your Mouth Is Too Crowded
Sometimes, if you don’t lose all your primary teeth, your permanent teeth can’t erupt. Therefore, your primary teeth need to be extracted to prevent tooth overcrowding in your mouth.
Other times, you may have a small, underdeveloped jaw or teeth that are larger than the space they need to occupy. This can lead to overcrowded teeth. To correct his situation, Dr. Erickson may recommend a tooth extraction.
Let Danville Family Dentistry Determine if You Require a Tooth Extraction
If you suspect you may need to have a tooth extracted, contact the Hendricks County office of Danville Family Dentistry to schedule an appointment. Dr. Erickson will exam your teeth to determine your treatment options. In many cases, Dr. Erickson will do what he can to save your tooth from being pulled. However, sometimes, he has no choice but to remove the tooth. When this occurs, Dr. Erickson can provide you with cosmetic dentistry treatment options to restore your beautiful smile.
Disclaimer: The information included in this article is for educational purposes only. It should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
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