Patients may be alarmed if a general dentist mentions that a tooth extraction may be needed during a routine appointment. A dentist’s primary goal is to preserve the teeth, but there some cases where a tooth cannot be saved using normal procedures. Understanding what situations can result in tooth removal and knowing the options available to address the resulting gap can help put patients at ease as they explore treatment options.
If a tooth is in an undesirable position, injured, or damaged from improper care, a general dentist may not be able to move into the proper spot or treat the compromised tooth.
While a root canal can be used to address tooth decay that has reached the center of a tooth, if the pulp is severely infected, this procedure may no longer be a viable option. In some situations, the infection may even put the individual at risk if not removed from the mouth quickly.
Periodontal disease occurs when a patient’s gums become infected and inflamed. This problem is caused by bacteria present in plaque, which can spread to the ligaments and bones within the gums as well. Over time, deterioration of the gum tissue and surrounding structures can loosen the teeth until there is no firm foundation, leading to the tooth falling out on its own or needing to be extracted.
Teeth that are unable to erupt due to being in an undesirable position or blocked by other teeth can be problematic. In some cases, the adult teeth coming in can hit and damage other teeth that have already come through the gums. If orthodontics cannot guide the impacted teeth, a surgical extraction can remove the tooth before it causes further issues.
Sometimes teeth become crowded together if the jaw is too small to accommodate all the teeth. While aligners or braces can often be used to better space out the teeth and even open the jaw, this solution is not always possible. The dentist may recommend extracting a tooth to create more space.
Small cracks and chips can often be fixed with a dental crown, veneers, or dental bonding, but more extensive damage can result in the loss of a tooth. If a large chunk of the tooth comes off, the crack extends to the root of the tooth, or the tooth is dislodged completely, it may not be possible to save it.
After a tooth is extracted from the mouth, there are several solutions that may be recommended to fill in the space left behind. Dental restorations, such as implants, bridges, or dentures, may be used to replace the tooth, making it look and function similarly to a natural tooth. Orthodontics may also help close spaces.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp:
General Dentist Tooth Extractions in San Jose, CA
Tooth extractions are a common solution recommended by a general dentist when other options for saving the tooth have run out. Fortunately, there are several restorative treatments patients can consider to preserve their smiles.
Request an appointment or call Dennis Baik, DDS at 408-676-5321 for an appointment in our San Jose office.
A general dentist can provide services ranging from routine cleanings and exams to the detection and diagnosis of periodontal disease. When patients have an oral health condition that requires surgery, the dentist may refer the patient to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon for treatment. There are several reasons why it may be necessary to obtain…
A general dentist is the dental equivalent of a primary care physician. A general dental professional is the person dental patients can go to for routine preventative care and diagnosis of any oral health problems. There are multiple benefits to establishing a relationship with a general dentist.Maintaining oral health is important for both the health…
If a general dentist recommends a dental crown, there are a variety of reasons why. Crowns can be used for cosmetic corrections as well as for protection and support. These dental restorations may seem intimidating to those who have never had one, but they do not have to be. Here are some questions to ask…
A mouth guard is a protective covering worn over teeth to protect them while playing sports or grinding them at night. In the past, the use of mouth guards was mostly restricted to athletes. These days, more parents are following their dentists' advice and getting mouth guards for their kids who participate in physical sports.Every…
If you find yourself scared of visiting the dentist or undergoing dental procedures, you might benefit from sedation dentistry. Most people dealing with dental anxiety would rather endure pain from dental issues instead of meet with the dentist. Sedation dentistry can help you deal with your dental fears and relax in the dentist's chair. The…