With good oral hygiene practices and regular attention to your oral health at a dentist, extractions are usually avoidable. Removing a tooth is a big deal since even one missing tooth can have a detrimental effect on the rest of your smile. However, sometimes, tooth extractions are a necessity.
Reasons for Tooth Extractions
Certain situations will require a tooth to be extracted to prevent other risks to the rest of your teeth or to thwart health issues. Some examples of when a tooth may have to be extracted include:
- The tooth has developed an infection or abscess
- The tooth is decayed to a point so severe that it cannot be restored
- Other teeth are being unhealthily impacted by the improper position of another tooth
- A tooth has to be extracted for orthodontic treatment
What to Expect During Tooth Extraction
The dentist will do a thorough exam of the problematic tooth, which may include scans and x-rays. All this precaution is taken to ensure the tooth can be extracted without causing further issues. In rare situations, you may be referred to an oral surgeon for attention. If the dentist chooses to move forward with the tooth extraction, a local anesthetic will be used to numb the area, and the tooth will be carefully removed.
Reach out to Athens Smiles About Dental Extractions
Tooth extractions are a routine dental treatment, but they can be a little scary if you are unfamiliar with the process. Reach out to us at Athens Smiles if you have a problematic tooth.