Common Reasons Why Teeth Are Extracted

Tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth from its socket in the bone. It is usually performed by a dentist or oral surgeon. There are several reasons why tooth extraction may be necessary. The most common reasons for tooth extractions are outlined below.

Bad Tooth Decay

Tooth decay, also known as dental caries, is one of the most common reasons for tooth extraction. When decay is severe and reaches the pulp inside the tooth, it can cause infection and abscess. This can be extremely painful and dangerous as the infection can spread. If the tooth decay is too severe and cannot be fixed with fillings or crowns, extraction is the only option. Extracting the infected tooth helps get rid of the source of infection and prevent its spread.

Periodontal Disease

Periodontal (gum) disease is an infection of the gums and bone that surround and support the teeth. It is caused by poor oral hygiene that allows plaque to build up along the gumline. As the disease progresses, it leads to receding gums, formation of deep gum pockets around teeth, and loss of supporting bone. This makes the teeth loose and unsteady. In advanced cases of gum disease, teeth may need to be extracted to prevent further spread of infection and save the remaining healthy teeth.

Dental Injuries/Trauma

Dental injuries and trauma, like sports injuries, car accidents, and falls can cause teeth to crack, break, or get knocked out completely. Depending on the severity of damage, the tooth may be repaired with dental treatment or may need extraction. If the tooth is fractured deep below the gumline or shattered into tiny fragments, it cannot be fixed and has to be removed.

Orthodontic Treatment

Sometimes tooth extraction is necessary to facilitate orthodontic treatment like braces or aligners. Teeth that are severely crowded, blocked, or protruding may need removal to create space in the dental arch. This allows proper positioning and alignment of the remaining teeth. Extractions are carefully planned prior to orthodontic treatment.

Wisdom Teeth Removal

The last molars to erupt, usually in the late teens or early 20s, are called wisdom teeth. They often become impacted or only partially emerge due to lack of sufficient space in the jawbone. Partially visible wisdom teeth allow bacteria to accumulate around them, leading to infection and decay. Hence, dentists recommend prophylactic or preventive wisdom teeth extractions even if they are not causing any problems presently.

Tooth Impaction

Tooth impaction refers to a tooth that fails to fully erupt through the gums due to obstruction by other teeth, dense overlying bone, or soft tissue. The partially exposed tooth is difficult to clean and prone to infections and cysts. Impacted teeth need to be extracted to prevent complications.

Root Canal Treatment Failure

Root canal treatment can fail in some cases due to reinfection of the tooth. This may require retreatment or extraction if the infection cannot be cured. The tooth may also fracture after root canal treatment due to excessive loss of tooth structure making it un-restorable.

Tooth extraction is usually the last resort to maintain dental health and prevent complications.