When Is a Tooth Extraction Necessary?

Although permanent teeth are meant to last a lifetime, tooth extraction may be necessary for a variety of reasons. A fairly common explanation is a tooth that has been seriously damaged by trauma or disease and cannot be restored.

At Sheffield Square Dental Care in Chicago, IL, our professional dentists give not only the best dental treatments depending on your needs, but also valuable advice on how to maintain your dental health to extend the life of your teeth.

Tooth extraction is a dental procedure in which a tooth is extracted from its dental alveolus or socket. Sheffield Square Dental Care in Chicago, IL, has highly qualified and experienced dentists who can do dental extractions. Our goal, however, is to maintain your teeth as intact as possible because this is the best and most recommended dental treatment.

Tooth impaction occurs when the growth of one tooth directly pushes against the growth of another. The tooth is prone to infection, which results in red, swollen, sensitive, or bleeding gums. The wisdom teeth, the third set of molars that often don't have enough room in the mouth to develop upright and instead grow inward toward the rest of the teeth, are usually to blame for this issue.

Tooth decay is caused by tartar and plaque buildup. These deposits erode the enamel of the teeth, causing them to become weak and brittle. If the situation worsens, an infection can develop, resulting in excruciating pain, swelling, and redness. If a tooth reaches this stage, it may be necessary to extract it and replace it with a dental bridge to avoid further health problems.

Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums that surround the teeth, whereas periodontitis is an inflammation of the bone and tissues that surround the teeth. If the bone or gum around the tooth deteriorates too much, the tooth may need to be extracted in favor of a dental bridge or dental crown to save the neighboring teeth.

An accident can sometimes cause a tooth to become too damaged to save. In this scenario, tooth extraction is vital to the healing process. Otherwise, a damaged tooth may get seriously infected, necessitating a painful operation.