A General Dentist Talks Tooth Extractions

Patients may be alarmed if a general dentist mentions that a tooth extraction may be needed during a routine appointment. A dentist’s primary goal is to preserve the teeth, but there some cases where a tooth cannot be saved using normal procedures. Understanding what situations can result in tooth removal and knowing the options available to address the resulting gap can help put patients at ease as they explore treatment options.

Why may a tooth need to be extracted?

If a tooth is in an undesirable position, injured, or damaged from improper care, a general dentist may not be able to move into the proper spot or treat the compromised tooth.

Tooth decay

While a root canal can be used to address tooth decay that has reached the center of a tooth, if the pulp is severely infected, this procedure may no longer be a viable option. In some situations, the infection may even put the individual at risk if not removed from the mouth quickly.

Periodontal disease

Periodontal disease occurs when a patient’s gums become infected and inflamed. This problem is caused by bacteria present in plaque, which can spread to the ligaments and bones within the gums as well. Over time, deterioration of the gum tissue and surrounding structures can loosen the teeth until there is no firm foundation, leading to the tooth falling out on its own or needing to be extracted.

Impacted teeth

Teeth that are unable to erupt due to being in an undesirable position or blocked by other teeth can be problematic. In some cases, the adult teeth coming in can hit and damage other teeth that have already come through the gums. If orthodontics cannot guide the impacted teeth, a surgical extraction can remove the tooth before it causes further issues.

Overcrowding

Sometimes teeth become crowded together if the jaw is too small to accommodate all the teeth. While aligners or braces can often be used to better space out the teeth and even open the jaw, this solution is not always possible. The dentist may recommend extracting a tooth to create more space.

Dental trauma

Small cracks and chips can often be fixed with a dental crown, veneers, or dental bonding, but more extensive damage can result in the loss of a tooth. If a large chunk of the tooth comes off, the crack extends to the root of the tooth, or the tooth is dislodged completely, it may not be possible to save it.

What comes after a tooth extraction?

After a tooth is extracted from the mouth, there are several solutions that may be recommended to fill in the space left behind. Dental restorations, such as implants, bridges, or dentures, may be used to replace the tooth, making it look and function similarly to a natural tooth. Orthodontics may also help close spaces.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp:
General Dentist Tooth Extractions in Oxford, MS

Conclusion

Tooth extractions are a common solution recommended by a general dentist when other options for saving the tooth have run out. Fortunately, there are several restorative treatments patients can consider to preserve their smiles.

Request an appointment or call Lee Family and Cosmetic Dentistry at 662-546-1143 for an appointment in our Oxford office.

Recent Posts

How General Dentists Detect And Treat Common Dental Problems

Though we go to our general dentist all the time, one thing that not everyone considers is the fact that the dentist is the one that handles most of our oral health issues. How is it that one dentist is responsible for treating and diagnosing so many of our problems without the help of specialists…

The Role Of A General Dentist In Maintaining Oral Health

Besides ourselves, one other person plays a highly important role in maintaining our oral health, our general dentist. You see, the dentist is responsible for much of the work that goes into our mouths, and without them, most of us would be at a loss as to what to do to protect our teeth, tongue,…

3 Questions To Ask A General Dentist

Curious about what you should be asking your general dentist when you visit? Read on to learn more. Visiting a general dentist for regular check-ups is essential for maintaining good oral health. By learning more about their oral health, patients can prevent potential problems and be more aware of changes that may require attention.Going to…

Lee Family and Cosmetic Dentistry

Share
Published by
Lee Family and Cosmetic Dentistry

Recent Posts

How General Dentists Detect and Treat Common Dental Problems

Though we go to our general dentist all the time, one thing that not everyone…

6 days ago

The Role of a General Dentist in Maintaining Oral Health

Besides ourselves, one other person plays a highly important role in maintaining our oral health,…

2 weeks ago

3 Questions To Ask a General Dentist

Curious about what you should be asking your general dentist when you visit? Read on…

3 weeks ago

Dental Veneers Are a Solution for Chipped Teeth

Dental veneers are often used to cover a chipped, cracked, or worn tooth.

3 weeks ago

Visit a General Dentist To Maintain Your Oral Health

A general dentist's contributions to a patient's oral health include both preventative care and the…

3 weeks ago

How a General Dentist Can Help Prevent Cavities

A general dentist spends a significant portion of their time performing preventative treatments like teeth…

1 month ago