5 Signs Your Dentist Will Recommend a Tooth Extraction

Dental surgeon performing extraction

Tooth extractions are one of the most common dental procedures. The procedure is carried out by two different methods: a simple extraction or a surgical extraction. Usually, the healing time after an extraction is up to 7 days with little or no complications.

Although a simple tooth extraction doesn’t sound too difficult, it’s still carried out by a dental surgeon. If the tooth is visible, the extraction will be simple. But if the tooth is impacted or infected, the dentist may need to perform an oral surgery to cut the gum, pull the tooth out, and stitch it.

Even though dentists try their best to preserve natural teeth, a person may need an extraction for various reasons.

The following are the reasons why your dentist may recommend a tooth extraction.

1. Tooth Decay

Stage 1: White Spots.

White spots begin to appear on your teeth at the early stages of tooth decay. The appearance of white spots is caused by lack of calcium and buildup of plaque.

Stage 2: Enamel Decay.

In stage two of tooth decay, the enamel decay begins to show. During this stage, the enamel of your tooth is damaged, and a cavity is formed. The cavity becomes visible and an X-Ray will allow your Dentist to indicate how deep your cavity is. At this stage, if the cavity is close to the dentine you may feel light tooth sensitivity.

Stage 3: Dentine Decay.

During stage three, bacteria officially makes its way into to the dentine (hard dense bony tissue forming the bulk of a tooth, beneath the enamel).  At this point, it is crucial that you quickly see your dentist and get the attention required. Dentine Decay is painful. Experiencing tooth sensitivity, a slight toothache and sensitivity to hot and cold drinks is common.

Stage 4: Pulp Decay.

Stage four; the bacteria may spread into the soft tissue of your tooth which can also be referred to as a root canal infection. In this stage, you will feel significant pain. The dental pulp is made up of blood vessels and connective tissue, which causes pain if the bacteria reaches the dental pulp.

Stage 5: Abscess Formation.

If the bacteria are left untreated, abscess will form during stage five. This stage is very serious, and the pain is excruciating. The infection can spread to your jawbone, ear and neck on the affected side. It can also spread in your brain and the infection will become very serious.

2. Severe Damage or Decay 

Tooth damage or decay can be caused by natural means or due to an accident, injury, or bacterial infection. When tooth decay reaches the center of the tooth— the pulp— it causes severe damage and disrupts oral hygiene. Your dentist may perform a root canal procedure to treat the infection. But if the infection worsens and is irreparable, a tooth extraction is needed to avoid the infection from hurting the other teeth.

3. Irreparable Gum Disease 

Gum disease or periodontal disease, caused by the infection in the gums, may be severe and result in the need for a tooth extraction. Infection in the gum area becomes severe when it reaches the alveolar bone and roots of the tooth, which then affects tooth health. The common causes of periodontal disease are bacteria and built-up plaque. If left untreated, it results in tooth damage, for which your dentist may recommend an extraction.

4. Impacted Wisdom Tooth 

A wisdom tooth is impacted when it is inside the gum and blocked from coming out. It is mostly because the gum doesn’t erupt to support tooth growth. An extraction for such teeth is recommended to prevent overcrowding and the risk of infection. Impacted teeth may cause pain every now and then and result in gum disease; thus, your dentist may recommend an extraction to save the trouble.

5. Teeth Overcrowding

Teeth overcrowding is a common problem in females as their jaws are naturally smaller than that of males. If there is not enough room for teeth that have not yet erupted in your mouth, your dentist will recommend extracting one or more teeth. Overcrowding causes difficulty in eating, chewing, and even in speech as there isn’t enough space for the teeth to realign or move.

6. Accident or Injury

Tooth extraction can be necessary to recover from an accident or injury. If the tooth has suffered an impact or damage, dentists would recommend an extraction instead of trying to preserve it and undergoing expensive and timely treatment.

If you are looking for the best oral surgeon in Las Vegas for tooth extraction, Axiom is the place for you. We offer the best dental services in our dental offices in Las Vegas. Our top oral surgeons will ensure patient satisfaction and well-being.