For teeth damage that cannot be repaired, extraction may be necessary. But whether or not this procedure is a must depends on the underlying problem. Tooth decay, accidental injuries, serious gum disease, and overcrowding can lead to cases where a tooth must be pulled out. Should you need a tooth extraction, you can always rely on cosmetic dental services to fix the gap created by the missing tooth. Your dentist will do everything to prevent an extraction; however, they are ready to carry out the procedure if necessary. 

In general, tooth extraction happens when some conditions are met. These include the following:

Tooth Decay

Serious tooth decay can happen when it has been years since you visited your dentist. Over time, plaque buildup can turn into tartar, which will destroy your teeth. When permanent damage happens, the affected tooth may die and require extraction to protect your other teeth and your health. 

Thus, if you think you have dental cavities, you must seek immediate treatment. If tooth decay is serious enough that cannot be addressed with a dental filling or root canal therapy, tooth extraction may be the only option.

Gum Disease

Tooth extraction can also occur because of gum disease. This condition exposes the roots of your teeth, the surrounding ligaments, and your jawbones to infectious bacteria. Over time, gum disease can cause your teeth to become loose and fall out or require surgical extraction. 

Overcrowding

When teeth are overcrowded, you may not be able to bite comfortably, which makes extraction necessary. If your crowded teeth shift their position and cross over each other, you could experience jawbone pain and an increased risk of gum disease and tooth decay. Your dentist may recommend an extraction to protect your smile and health. 

Impacted Tooth

Typically, an impacted wisdom tooth does not fully erupt from your gums or grow into the right position. It can occur because of genetic factors, overcrowding, and skewed angles. An impacted tooth may need to be removed due to its vulnerability to decay and tendency to cause serious pain. 

Dental Trauma

As with tooth decay, excess tooth damage can make a tooth irreparable. In this case, surgical removal and replacements like a dental bridge or implant are often the only solutions. 

Nobody wants to lose a tooth; however, there are times when you have to let go of at least one tooth. Thankfully, your dentist can always fill the gap with a good replacement, ensuring your smile and health won’t be compromised by the missing tooth.