5 Common Reasons You May Need a Tooth Extraction

Worried about getting a tooth pulled? Don’t panic. Tooth extractions are a perfectly routine dental procedure and can help protect your oral health. Dentists may perform a tooth extraction to prevent complications from infection or injury or remove troublesome teeth that are causing issues with the rest of your mouth. Here are 5 common situations where your dentist might choose to remove one or more teeth.

1. Cavities

When a cavity becomes too large for a filling, crown, or root canal to save the tooth, your dentist may have no option but to remove it.¹ Untreated decay can reach the soft tissue inside the tooth, causing infection and severe pain. This can weaken the entire tooth structure. If left untreated, the infection may spread to other parts of the body, making a prompt extraction necessary.

2. Complications from gum disease

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, occurs when bacteria gets beneath your gums. This can weaken the tissues and bone that hold your teeth in place. As the infection grows, it may begin to shift or loosen your teeth.² An extraction may be necessary to remove the bacteria and restore your healthy gums.³

3. Impacted wisdom teeth

Wisdom teeth are one of the most common culprits when it comes to tooth extraction. These molars in the back of your mouth are notorious for causing issues when they emerge. They can even become trapped beneath the gums, causing them to push against neighboring teeth. This can lead to pain, swelling, or infection.⁴ While wisdom teeth don’t always cause issues, it’s common to get them removed when they start to emerge.

4. Broken or fractured teeth

While dentists can often repair cracked or chipped teeth with crowns or other procedures, sometimes a tooth is damaged beyond repair. This is especially true if the break extends below the gum line. In these cases, extraction may be the only option to prevent infection and pain.³ Your dentist may install a dental implant or a dental bridge to help restore your smile and prevent bone loss.

5. Preparation for dentures or other restorations

In some cases, a few teeth may need to be removed before fitting a set of complete dentures or other dental prosthetics. Extracting unhealthy or damaged teeth ensures a comfortable and stable fit for the replacement teeth and prevents ongoing dental issues down the line.⁵

Find relief after your tooth extraction

No matter what your reason for getting a tooth extracted, it may relieve you of the significant irritation and discomfort caused by an infection, impacted tooth, or other issue. If you’re worried about pain during or after the procedure, consider using an over-the-counter medication to reduce swelling and aches. Your dentist may also be able to provide other options for pain management. Discuss dental implant costs, the placement of a dental bridge, or the benefits of high-quality dentures with them. Don’t be afraid the next time your dentist suggests a tooth extraction. Know that you’re headed for a happier and healthier smile.

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