Once you’ve lost your baby teeth, you might not even think about the possibility of a tooth extraction. After all, adult teeth are supposed to last a lifetime. However, there are a variety of reasons why you might need an extraction at some point. The good news is an extraction can help give you a healthier mouth for the rest of your teeth.
1. Tooth Extraction Because of Overcrowding 
Wisdom teeth are often the most frequently extracted teeth, mainly because they cause overcrowding as they push erupt. However, even without wisdom teeth, your other teeth may be too large for the shape of your mouth and jaw. Your dental professional might recommend a tooth extraction to remove teeth that your mouth just doesn’t have room for or to improve alignment.
Overcrowding might also lead to impacted teeth. In this case, there’s no room for the tooth to push through, which can lead to pain and even infection below the gum line. Removing the tooth is usually the only solution. Wisdom teeth that can’t come in properly represent an example of impacted teeth that may need to be extracted.
2. Treat Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease, commonly known to most as gum disease, is another reason why you could need an extraction. In just 72 hours, plaque can harden into tartar, which makes it increasingly difficult to clean your teeth. The resulting bacteria build-up may result in loose or mobile teeth, bleeding gums, tooth infection, and decay.
While brushing and flossing is your best defense, hormonal changes, medication, genetics, and more can all increase your risk of gum disease. But, extracting damaged teeth gives you a fresh start and saves your other teeth and gums from further damage.
3. Tooth Extraction for Accidents
Just like getting a broken bone from a fall, an accident may result in a broken, cracked, or chipped tooth. In severe accidents, a tooth may even be pushed back into the gum. While your dentist can repair minor damage, if it’s too severe, such as an impacted tooth or a crack that exposes your roots, the tooth should be extracted. You can always replace the removed tooth with an implant or bridge. Remember, your dentist will try to save the tooth, but it’s not always possible.
4. Treat Tooth Decay
Cavities, periodontal disease, or a damaged tooth may lead to tooth decay. You might not even realize something’s wrong until you start experiencing sensitivity or pain. Often, your dentist can treat the infection from tooth decay with antibiotics and use various methods to save the tooth. However, if the decay is too severe to mitigate, an extraction might be the only way to stop the potential spread of the infection and save your remaining teeth.
While there are a variety of reasons why you could need an extraction, you can trust we’ll make the extraction process as easy as possible. If you have any questions or believe you might be in need of an extraction, contact us today.