Tooth extraction is an essential procedure if you can't save your tooth. Here's everything you need to know about tooth extraction and when it's necessary.

Saving a Tooth Is the First Option

Dentists don't rush to extract teeth. Instead, they generally use this as a last resort.

You see, you can't get another permanent tooth after tooth extraction; you get only one set of permanent teeth. 

Dentists proceed carefully before recommending tooth extraction. A dentist will examine the tooth to determine a plan. If there is a way to save the tooth, they'll likely recommend that first.

Dentists can save teeth in several ways. For example, root canals are one of the most common dental procedures for keeping teeth. However, there are times they can't save a tooth.



Keeping your natural teeth is always the best option. After all, your natural teeth are vital to oral health. 

Removing Wisdom Teeth Is Standard

Tooth extraction commonly occurs with wisdom teeth. Of the 32 teeth you have, 12 are molars. Four of your molars are wisdom teeth.

Most people don't need their wisdom teeth. In fact, wisdom teeth can be more of a burden than anything else due to their location.

Your wisdom teeth are the teeth found furthest back in your mouth. These teeth don't develop until the late teen years or early 20s. Some people don't even get wisdom teeth. 

However, others find that these teeth are problematic. For example, they might grow crooked, causing them to be stuck inside the gums.

These teeth might also grow inwards towards the other teeth, placing pressure on the other teeth. When this occurs, it can lead to crooked teeth, pressure, and pain. 

Additionally, many people face challenges when brushing these teeth. They're so far back in the mouth that they're hard to reach. As a result, wisdom teeth are prone to cavities. 

Dentists watch a person's wisdom teeth as they develop, and most dentists recommend removing these when they first erupt. After all, they can remove these teeth easier when they first develop as they have thinner roots. 



Wisdom teeth removal is the most common reason for tooth extractions, but it's not the only reason.

Tooth Extraction Occurs for Cosmetic Purposes

Dentists might also extract a tooth for cosmetic purposes. The most common reason this occurs is in conjunction with braces.

People choose braces to have straighter teeth. Unfortunately, some people have crooked teeth due to a lack of space for their teeth.

For example, if your mouth doesn't fit all your teeth, you won't be able to straighten them correctly with braces. There won't be enough room in your mouth.

So, dentists might remove one tooth or several, and removing these teeth frees up space in your mouth. As a result, an orthodontist can use braces to shift the remaining teeth into place, allowing them to get straight. 



There may be other situations when dentists recommend tooth extraction for cosmetic purposes. However, dentists can perform cosmetic services to change a tooth's appearance. So, they'll only remove teeth when necessary.

Tooth Extractions Happen for Other Reasons

Tooth extractions also occur for several other reasons. Here are some situations when dentists recommend extractions:

Dental Emergencies

Some people face extractions when they experience trauma to their teeth. For example, a dentist might have to remove your tooth if you have a loose one from getting hit in the face.

People face numerous types of dental emergencies that lead to extractions. This happens after car accidents, fights, and other incidents. 

Severe Tooth Decay

Dentists can remove decay from teeth and fill the holes, but teeth can reach a point where a dentist can't fix the tooth. If a tooth develops extreme decay, removing it might be the only feasible way to handle the issue. 

Sometimes dentists also remove teeth due to gum disease and other oral issues. 

Impaction 

Impaction is the term that refers to a trapped tooth. When teeth grow improperly, they might not erupt through the gums. Instead, they get trapped beneath the gums. 

Dentists must remove these teeth in most cases, as there isn't another way to treat them. 



You can visit a dentist in Centreville, VA if you experience these issues.

Vital Things to Know About Extracting a Tooth

You can see that tooth extractions occur for numerous reasons, but what else should you know about this procedure? You might want to know the following things if you need to have this completed:

The Process

The extraction process requires several steps, and it begins with the dentist numbing your mouth. They numb it to help you avoid feeling the pain and pressure from the process.

Next, the dentist uses special dental tools to pry around the tooth, helping it loosen. Finally, they'll pull the tooth, ensuring they remove any broken tooth pieces that might fall off during the procedure. 

Aftercare

Your dentist will explain how to care for this wound in your mouth afterward. You might have to avoid eating hard or crunchy foods for a few days and rinse your mouth with water or a mouth rinse. 

Tooth Replacement 



You might also need to replace the tooth the dentist removed, but this depends on the situation. If you need to replace it, your dentist can explain your options. 

Contact a Dentist in Centreville, VA, for Information

You might have all 32 teeth and never need one removed. However, many people will need a tooth extraction for one or more teeth. If you need this done, you'll want to find a trustworthy dentist in Centreville, VA.



Contact us at SmileOn Dentistry. We offer tooth extraction services and other dentistry procedures.