7 Reasons For Tooth Removal

Senior woman in dental chair asking questions

There are many reasons for tooth removal, and the causes are quite broad. Some teeth are removed because of dental cavities or other sources of pain and discomfort. There are also many solutions to replacing the missing tooth, such as dental implants or same-day dentures. But why remove a tooth in the first place?

1. Dental Cavities

Numerous factors can cause dental cavities or tooth decay. Some of these factors include the presence of plaque and bacteria, which combine to produce acids that demineralize tooth enamel and cause cavities. Additionally, regularly snacking on sugary foods and beverages can contribute to an individual’s susceptibility to developing dental caries.

2. Tooth Fractures

Sometimes a tooth may become fractured due to trauma. Fractures are usually caused by severe blows to the face and can occur from activities such as chewing ice or biting into complex objects. Once a fracture has been sustained, permanent damage will happen if the tooth’s root is not left intact. This could predispose an individual to severe difficulties keeping their teeth healthy and robust.

3. Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is inflammation of the soft tissue and bone surrounding a tooth and is usually caused by bacterial infection. Prolonged gum infection and poor oral hygiene habits can increase the risk of periodontal disease, as can smoking. The treatment for periodontal disease varies depending on the severity of the condition, with scaling and root planing being standard procedures that help to treat gum inflammation and bacterial infections.

4. Tooth Extrusion

Sometimes, usually, when a child’s adult teeth are coming in, a tooth may suffer from extrusion. This is when a tooth becomes trapped within soft tissues and bone, preventing the individual from keeping their natural support structures intact. If the tooth is not extracted in time, it will force its way out of the surrounding tissue, causing pain and potentially bleeding. Tooth extraction can be performed relatively quickly and easily in some cases, primarily if specific methods are employed to minimize potential damage to surrounding soft tissues and bone.

5. Appearance of the Wisdom Teeth

Misaligned and malformed wisdom teeth are often removed to prevent damage to nearby teeth and tissues. Wisdom teeth can also become impacted when they fail to properly develop within the jaw, making it impossible for them to erupt into their correct positions. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause problems if allowed to grow in, as they will force other nearby teeth out of place.

6. Tooth Abscesses

An extraction can treat numerous infections of affected teeth. The most common types of tooth infections include abscesses, which occur when parts of the tooth become infected, and pyorrhea, which involves a disease caused by bacteria from the gums around the tooth. These infections can result from dental procedures such as root canal therapy and fillings.

7. Tooth Trauma

Sometimes, the teeth may fracture or break due to trauma inflicted by external causes such as an automobile accident or sports injuries. While most tooth fractures can heal without intervention, sometimes a tooth must be removed because the trauma is too great to be repaired by other methods.

Conclusion

Teeth are usually removed to prevent damage to other mouth parts, underlying soft tissues, or bone. In some instances, missing teeth can be replaced with dental implants, which remain permanently inside the mouth and allow individuals to eat and speak confidently. Dental implants look and feel just like your natural teeth, restoring your beautiful smile. Please contact us today to schedule a consultation.

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