The Importance of Tooth Extractions: When and Why It's Necessary

Oral health is important for everyone, but nearly 3.5 billion people struggle with dental problems globally. Cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss are common dental issues, with over half of children over eight in America having at least one cavity and one in four adults between 20-64 having two or more.

The solutions for these oral conditions vary depending on their severity. But if the damage to teeth and gums is significant, a tooth extraction (pulling a tooth) may be the best choice for improving dental health. 

To better understand tooth extractions, let’s examine why you might need one, the types of extractions, and the benefits for your dental health.

Residents of Richmond Hill, Georgia, who are looking for help with dental problems, including tooth extractions, can find assistance with Dr. Nils Anderson and our experienced staff at Village Dental.

Reasons for tooth extractions

We may suggest tooth extraction if you are dealing with the following issues:

• Fractured or broken tooth: Cracked, fractured, or broken teeth can be repaired using conservative treatments. But severe damage that compromises your oral health makes extraction a good option.

• Impacted tooth: A painful tooth stuck beneath the gum line may call for an extraction

• Crowded tooth: When teeth are too close to each other and causing problems with normal function, one or more may need to be removed.

• Injury: Physical injuries can cause dental problems. If severe enough, it may justify the removal of a tooth.

• Severe dental problems: Cavities and gum disease can lead to significant damage where the tooth can’t be saved.

Types of extraction

If a tooth needs to be removed, it can be done with a simple or surgical extraction. 

A simple extraction means the tooth is above the gum line and can be removed in one piece. A surgical extraction is a more involved process where the tooth is removed from beneath the gum line. 

The type of extraction varies based on the tooth's location, shape, and position.

Benefits to your dental health

Dental extractions can improve your health by relieving pain and preventing infection. If the tooth is badly damaged, the pain can become unbearable, so removal is a good choice for pain relief. 

Furthermore, an infected tooth can spread to other teeth, leading to more extractions and other dental issues if not treated. 

If it’s possible to preserve your tooth, we will certainly try. But sometimes extractions are necessary. If you are dealing with issues with your teeth, make an appointment with Dr. Anderson and our team at Village Dental today to get the help you need.