When Do I Need a Tooth Extraction?

While it is our goal at Smith Dentalworks to help you keep your natural teeth for as long as possible, there are some circumstances where an extraction becomes necessary:

Wisdom Teeth

Also called third molars, these are the last molars to arrive and are located far back in your mouth. Their position often makes these teeth difficult to keep clean, or sometimes they come in at odd angles that are harmful to adjacent teeth. In some cases, wisdom teeth remain impacted (stuck in the gums), which could result in an infection. Dr. Smith typically recommends extractions for these reasons.

Periodontal Disease

Periodontitis or advanced gum disease destroys the gums and bone that support your teeth. This is the number one cause of tooth loss for adults in the United States. If caught early, gum disease can be treated and tooth extraction may be avoided. Smith Dentalworks offers preventive treatment options to help stop your periodontitis from progressing.

Trauma or Injury

A tooth may be cracked or fractured beyond what a root canal can save. Certain injuries can even result in a tooth falling out entirely. This can be a result of a sports injury, car accident, or other type of trauma. Although we may try to restore a chipped or cracked tooth with other options such as a dental crown, extraction is sometimes necessary.

Deep Tooth Decay

A tooth with decay that has reached the nerve causes an infection that is beyond what root canal therapy can repair. In this case, we would remove the tooth to eliminate the infection and to protect the remaining teeth.

Orthodontic Treatment

Overly crowded teeth may need to be removed to achieve the best results during orthodontic treatment. As your teeth shift, this will often fill the gaps to give you a straight and healthy smile.