When Is a Tooth Extraction Necessary?

Getting a tooth extraction is no longer, as the saying goes, “like pulling teeth.” If you suspect you may need a tooth pulled, modern dental technology and anesthesia ensure a comfortable, nearly pain-free experience. At Hale Family Dental, we can help you determine if your tooth can be saved or if you need an extraction.

Reasons to have a tooth pulled

If the tooth can be saved, it is always best to save it rather than pull it. But sometimes, the only option is an extraction. Circumstances that warrant an extraction include:

• Severe damage. If your tooth has been severely damaged by accident or injury, it may be necessary to have it removed and replaced with a dental implant.

• Infection. When a tooth has a deep, painful infection that cannot be fixed with a filling, crown, or root canal, your last option is to extract the tooth.

• Too many teeth and not enough space. Sometimes when preparing for braces or other orthodontic treatments, an orthodontist will discover that the patient’s jaw is too small to fit all their teeth. This can cause crowding, a type of misalignment that can be fixed with braces. In these cases, one or more teeth will need to be extracted for the teeth to properly align.

• Impacted wisdom teeth.  Almost everybody has a third set of molars, called wisdom teeth, that erupt through the gums during early adulthood. In many cases, wisdom teeth become impacted, meaning they are growing in sideways and do not have enough room, and need to be removed.

If you think you or your child need a tooth extraction, do not hesitate to contact Hale Family Dental. We will help you determine the best course of action.