Dentists rarely recommend tooth extractions to patients. Aside from the procedure causing tooth loss, extractions also cause teeth to move around and shift into the newly-unoccupied space. Missing teeth can affect speech and a patient’s ability to bite and chew properly. However, when dentists recommend it, the oral problem or condition is likely too much to repair, or no other solution is suitable. But when are tooth extractions the best option for oral issues? Here are some ideas.
1. Impactions
Impacted teeth are teeth that cannot grow into proper positions and become trapped in the gum line, causing pain and infection. The most common type of impacted tooth is wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth are the last to erupt and are often removed to prevent them from causing pain, crowding, or damage to nearby teeth.
Other impacted teeth can develop due to crowding, trauma, and damage to the roots. As a result, dentists remove impacted teeth to prevent infection, tooth decay, gum disease, and other problems. Most of the time, patients undergo local anesthesia to prevent them from feeling the pain caused by the procedure.
2. Overcrowding
Overcrowding is a common problem caused by genetics. In some cases, teeth are too large, while the jaw is too small in others. Retained primary teeth also cause overcrowding. When teeth are too close together, they become difficult to clean, and the patient is at a higher risk of developing cavities, gum disease, and other problems.
Dentists can fix overcrowding by moving the teeth and correcting the alignment. In some cases, dentists may also recommend removing teeth to provide more space for the rest of the teeth. Most of the time, patients require braces or Invisalign to improve their oral health.
3. Trauma
Teeth can get knocked out of alignment from trauma. A fall or an accident can cause the teeth to move. To correct this problem, dentists need to realign the teeth and ensure they are stable. In some cases, dentists may also recommend braces or Invisalign to improve the patients’ oral health. If the injury is not severe, the dentist may just smooth the chipped portion of the tooth and cover it with a dental filling or dental veneer.
4. Periodontal or Gum Disease
Gum disease can cause the teeth to fall out. If the gums are not healthy, they can pull away from the teeth and cause the teeth to become loose, and in severe cases, the teeth may fall out. Periodontal disease is a serious oral health problem that can lead to tooth loss, often caused by a buildup of plaque and tartar on the teeth.
Dentists often recommend patients practice good oral health care to avoid developing issues like gum disease. However, in some instances, people simply have them despite taking good care of their oral health. As a result, their gums can bleed and inflamed, needing treatments provided by dentists.
5. Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is another condition that can affect teeth and gums. It is often caused by poor oral hygiene. When plaque and tartar are not removed from the teeth, it can lead to cavities, which dentists often treat.
Gum disease and tooth decay are some conditions that can lead to gum disease. These conditions can be painful and cause a person oral health problems. As a result, people should visit a dentist to check their teeth regularly.
Conclusion
People often overlook the importance of oral health care. However, this is an essential part of a person’s overall health and an aspect to look into. Therefore, to avoid needing tooth extractions, it’s best to learn how to properly take care of our oral health and subscribe to healthy practices that will benefit our teeth more. In the end, nobody wants to smile with a missing tooth.
Oro Valley Dental Arts offers essential and cosmetic dental services, helping patients maintain their pearly whites. We aim to impress our clients with excellent service and impeccable skills to support their oral health. Aside from the basic procedures like extractions, we also provide teeth whitening, veneers, and dental crowns in Oro Valley. Book an appointment with us today and allow us to work on your teeth today.
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