4 Reasons a Tooth Requires Extraction

Fewer than half of American adults have all their natural teeth, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), not counting wisdom teeth. The flip side of that means that more than 50% of those between the ages of 20 and 64 have lost one or more of their permanent teeth. 

While today it’s possible to replace both a crown and root with a tooth implant, the best alternative is to keep every natural tooth that you can. It’s not always possible though, and the team at Lee Dental in Frisco, Texas, is ready to help with all of your oral care needs. When it’s necessary, we’re tooth extraction specialists. 

4 reasons a tooth requires extraction

While you can lose or damage a tooth in an accident or sports injury, those don’t always lead to extractions. Even a tooth that’s been knocked completely out of its socket can be saved in some cases. It’s more likely that you’ll encounter tooth loss for one of these four reasons. 

1. Tooth decay

Cavities happen, and while you can get fillings, teeth with multiple repairs or large excavations can lose strength and suffer damage at some point in the future. Untreated cavities can, of course, continue to undermine the structure of a tooth to the point where filling becomes impossible and you require an extraction. Tooth decay is the most common reason for tooth extraction. 

2. Gum disease

Untreated gum disease is almost as ruthless as tooth decay. While you can usually control gingivitis and periodontitis with brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits, these conditions can sometimes take hold during gaps in care or through the assistance of genetic factors. Without treatment, gum disease can cause teeth to loosen in their sockets and become more prone to loss. 

3. Overcrowding

Sometimes, the full set of adult teeth is too much for your mouth. Wisdom teeth are regularly extracted because of this, and it’s also common for additional tooth removal for orthodontic patients who simply have no room for all their teeth to form a healthy bite. 

4. Infection

When an infection strikes a tooth, it can become a serious problem for some patients. While root canal therapy can often clear up the infection, it requires major structural changes to the tooth. When tooth strength suffers, an extraction may be the best route to take. Also, patients with immune system disorders or who are receiving treatments like chemotherapy that make them immunocompromised, may need a tooth extracted to remove any risk for infection. 

Call or click to book an appointment with Lee Dental. We’re ready to help you with tooth extraction or any other oral care attention you require. Schedule your visit today.