Tooth Extraction

“We have to pull that tooth” – is one of the worst things your dentist can say to you. It’s not like when you were little and loosing a tooth was so exciting, and you got money under your pillow. Well, no more tooth fairy. We like to think if we simply brush and floss we will keep all of our teeth forever. It’s true: our teeth are meant to serve you well for a lifetime. So why have so many of us heard that awful “tooth extraction” phrase?

There are, unfortunately, some very necessary situations when pulling a tooth is the only option. The most common reason: a tooth is too badly damaged, from trauma or decay, to have a filling or be repaired by other means. If tooth damage or decay extends to the center of the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels and the tooth can not be restored, there is a very serious risk of infection which can spread. Tooth, or whatever is left of it, has to go. Second common reason: wisdom teeth are coming in, and there is not enough room for them in the mouth.

Because your permanent teeth are already positioned, this extra set of molars can force them to shift their position. This causes pain, bite problems, and overcrowding, making it difficult to brush and floss effectively and eventually lead to cavities or tooth decay. If treatment is delayed, you may also need to undergo additional procedures to straighten impacted neighboring teeth.

In extreme, and fortunately rare, cases a tooth has to be removed because of periodontal (gum) disease. Periodontal disease can cause an infection which loosens the teeth, requiring a tooth or teeth to be pulled.