Many patients who experience tooth damage or decay can have their condition treated by a general dentist with a filling, crown, or root canal. But if the damage is too extensive for minor treatment techniques, the tooth may need to be removed. Depending on if the tooth removal case is complex or if the patient has a history of other health problems, a dentist will refer their patient to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon who can perform an extraction.
Why do I need my tooth removed?
There are numerous factors that may contribute to the need for tooth extraction. The specific clinical problem you are experiencing will determine the method used for extraction. Some of the most common reasons that patients need a tooth removed include
- Dental Crowding. Many young patients experience dental crowding and this requires tooth extraction to ensure the health of the remaining teeth. Some causes of dental crowding include baby teeth not naturally falling out in time for adult teeth to grow in, preparation of the mouth for orthodontics, and the presence of additional teeth or wisdom teeth that cannot be accommodated in a healthy manner.
- Loosening of the Tooth. Many patients who develop serious gum diseases like periodontal disease, which is an infection of the tissues and bone surrounding the teeth, experience loosening of their permanent teeth. If this is the case, the tooth becomes too unstable to remain healthy or functional, and it must be removed.
- Development of Infection. When infections in the mouth reach the center of tooth’s nerves and blood vessels, it may cause the tooth to become incurable through root canal therapy or antibiotics. Patients who have undergone treatment of other health condition like chemotherapy or organ transplants are at an increased risk for these infections because their immune system is compromised. Once the tooth is deemed incurable, it needs to be removed.
If you are referred to Dr. Kunkel to have a tooth or a few teeth extracted, he will perform an oral examination of the mouth and jaws to determine the best method for extraction. Your overall oral health, age, and entire dental alignment will all be taken into consideration when formulating a plan for removal. Additional X-rays or 3D scanning may be necessary to make an accurate determination and can be completed within our office.
If you are in need of tooth extraction, we encourage you to contact our office. Our friendly office staff is happy to assist you in scheduling your consultation and our highly qualified surgical staff will ensure that you are fully informed and comfortable throughout the entire process.
