In general, dentists would prefer that every patient keeps every tooth for his or her entire life. In reality, there are times with removing a tooth or multiple teeth is the best option for a patient’s long-term oral health.
At North Shore Smile Surgery, we know that you value your teeth, which is why we recommend extraction surgery only when it is necessary. The focus of our practice may seem like it’s oral surgery, but that’s not exactly right.
Our real focus is doing what is best for you, our patients.
If you should need a tooth removed — and there are several reasons that you might — we want to be the dentist that you call if you live in or near Buffalo Grove, IL.
Four Reasons To Remove Teeth
The decision to remove a tooth does not come lightly.
In modern dentistry, there are several ways to preserve most or part of a tooth. Nevertheless, some teeth and some teeth problems require an extraction if you are going to prevent future problems.
Here are some of the most common reasons people need to have their teeth removed.
#1. Your mouth is too crowded.
If you are considering orthodontic treatment, too many teeth can be a problem.
Ideally, your primary teeth will fall out on their own before your permanent teeth emerge. Even so, some people’s primary teeth hang around longer than others. If they remain in place as your permanent start to erupt, this can cause problems.
In those cases, it may be necessary to remove those stubborn primary teeth before any orthodontic care can begin.
Of course, it doesn’t have to be primary teeth that are causing the problem. If you have a crowded mouth, it may not be possible to straighten your teeth unless one or more teeth are removed.
#2. Your tooth is severely decayed.
Tooth decay is a problem whenever it occurs. This is why dentists recommend preventive steps (brushing, flossing, and routine cleanings and examinations) to reduce your risk of decay.
In spite of this, more than 90 percent of Americans will have at least one cavity during their lives. If this is treated early, you may be able to repair your tooth with a filling or dental crown.
If the decay spreads too much, it can weaken the structure of your tooth to the point that it can’t be saved. Also, allowing that decayed tooth to remain in your mouth increases the likelihood that the decay will spread to other teeth.
In those instances, we would prefer to remove the weak and decayed tooth. We may recommend replacing it with a dental implant and dental crown.
#3. Your tooth is infected.
You may be thinking that we are repeating ourselves, but we are talking about a different kind of problem than tooth decay. We are referring to patients who have an infection in the inside of a tooth.
This occurs when bacteria get into the middle of a tooth or into one of your root canals. This infection affects the soft pulp on the inside of your tooth, along with the nerves and blood vessels. In some cases, a root canal therapy will be sufficient to correct this problem.
But in other cases, the infection can leave the tooth too damaged to remain in your mouth. Once again, you don’t want to risk the infection spreading to other teeth. This is another case when removal and replacement are your best options.
#4. You have advanced gum disease.
You may not realize this, but gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in the United States. Your gums help to hold your teeth in place. Gum disease can cause your gums to separate from your teeth, and it can attack the bones where the roots of your teeth are anchored.
If you teeth become too loose, it may not be possible to save them. If a tooth extraction is needed, we will discuss replacement options as well. Your options may depend on the severity of your gum disease.
Understand Your Options
The problems listed above aren’t the only reasons you may need a tooth or teeth removed. Regardless of the reason, you need to make the decision that will provide the most benefit for your overall oral health.
For patients in or near Buffalo Grove, IL, our dentist will help you understand the process and your replacement options so you can make the best decision for you.
To learn more about tooth extraction, call 847-276-2500 or fill out our online form to make an appointment at North Shore Smile Surgery.
