When is tooth extraction the only option?

Tooth extraction means removing a tooth from the mouth by the dentist. It is referred to as the last option by the dentist if there are no available treatments to save the tooth or the tooth has got damaged beyond repair.

There are many reasons where the extraction of the tooth becomes the treatment choice.

1) Loose tooth: When a tooth becomes excessively loose and starts shaking in the mouth it is recommended to remove the tooth. Tooth or teeth may become loose due to infection in the surrounding gums. It starts as a dental plaque causing inflammation of gums but progresses to the surrounding gums and bone resulting in the reduced support. When a tooth becomes loose, it is difficult to chew with it. It may also be painful in some cases and disturb the harmony of the other teeth. However, when addressed in a timely manner, it can be controlled and such teeth can be saved by the expert dental team.

2) Infected teeth: When a tooth is infected, the preferred treatment is root canal treatment. With root canal treatment, doctors can remove the infection from the tooth without compromising the longevity of the tooth. It doesn’t involve the reduction of bone around the tooth.

Sometimes, the infection travels beyond the tooth and surrounding structures and leads to the spreading of the infection to other spaces and structures. At that time, the extraction of the infected tooth is the only available option to drain the pus from the area.

3) Broken tooth: Due to trauma while eating or any injury, tooth or teeth may be broken. If the affected tooth is broken partially or horizontally, then the tooth can be saved. If it is broken in a vertical line, then in the majority of the cases, extraction becomes almost mandatory. Typically, vertical tooth fractures are painful and cannot be managed by other available treatment options.

4) Remnants of a damaged tooth: If the tooth is neglected for a long time, then the decay eats up the complete tooth leaving only root pieces. Root pieces cannot support the crown or any other treatment option. They better be removed and a dental implant should be placed to bring back function at the extraction site.

5) Impacted tooth: Impacted means when a tooth fails to erupt in the mouth. Essentially, being below the gum line might make it easy prey for infection. As a result, there is pain which may often be referred to as the ear or head. The disease process might progress to involve the surrounding tooth. It is mainly seen in the individuals of the 18 to 29 age group. The most common impacted tooth is the last molars. Sometimes, canines can also remain impacted and cause trouble.

Such a tooth is removed by surgical means. The dentist removes the upper layer of gums and bone to remove the deep-seated tooth.

6) Overcrowded teeth: When your jaw is small and cannot accommodate all your teeth, then removal of a tooth is prescribed to make space for other teeth to align in a neat arc. It is usually recommended by orthodontists when crowding is causing problems in function and appearance. Overcrowding can lead to the accumulation of debris and food in the mouth causing bad odour. Also, it leads to improper brushing as the closely placed teeth do not allow the bristles to reach the mini-spaces between the teeth.