The Truth About Extractions

Being told that you need to have a tooth extracted is a sore subject (no pun intended) for many people. This is most often the case when it comes to having your wisdom teeth taken out (as so many of us do). Let’s explore the issue some more though.

What Happens During an Extraction & Why Do I Need to Have One?

Without being too graphic, a tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth from its socket in the bone. Usually, whenever you have a cavity or some other type of damage to your tooth that’s the result of decay, the dentist will try to fix it by filling in the cavity or using a crown or doing a root canal. However, sometimes the damage is simply beyond repair which means that the tooth needs to come out. The reason that you cannot simply leave the tooth in is because the already infected tooth can actually spread bacteria to the rest of your mouth as well as to your gums, thus getting into your blood stream and making you sick.

There are also several other reasons that your dentist may suggest a tooth extraction:

• Overcrowding: Sometimes extractions are necessary due to “overcrowding” in your mouth (ie. you have a lot of teeth and a tiny mouth).
• People Getting Braces: Sometimes teeth need to be extracted to make room for teeth that will be shifting.
• People Receiving Radiation Treatment: Any teeth blocking the radiation may need to be removed.
• Wisdom Teeth: At times, wisdom teeth may become impacted under the gums, causing pain to the individual. Additionally, because they are so far back in the mouth, wisdom teeth tend to decay-at which point they must be removed- otherwise you risk gum disease as well as other health-related issues due to bacteria entering your blood stream.

For more information on comprehensive and cosmetic dentistry, contact Dr. Robert Williamson today!