Did you know that your tooth enamel is stronger than your bones? However, despite being built to last, your teeth aren’t invincible. While you may be maintaining good oral hygiene, unfortunate events may call for a tooth extraction. Here’s what you need to know.
Why might you need a tooth extraction?
There are several reasons why your dentist may recommend removing a tooth. These include:
- Severe damage, such as a break or fracture, often caused by injury
- Advanced tooth decay (cavities)
- Untreatable dental abscesses (infection)
- Orthodontic treatment – overcrowding or misaligned teeth affecting your bite or jaw alignment
- Baby teeth or extra teeth, such as wisdom teeth, blocking the emergence of adult teeth
Why are wisdom teeth removed?
Wisdom teeth are frequently the most problematic as they’re often the last to come through. Due to limited space in our mouths, they can become impacted, emerging at an angle or sideways. If left untreated, they can lead to jaw pain, tooth decay, gum infections, sore throats and ulcers, as well as persistent bad breath.
In these cases, it’s best to remove the affected teeth to relieve symptoms and protect surrounding teeth.
Types of tooth extractions
A dental X-ray will reveal two possible options to extract your tooth:
- Simple extraction
If your tooth is visible above the gumline, a simple and quick dental extraction may be performed using local anaesthetic.
- Surgical extraction
If your teeth aren’t easily accessible, for example, if they’re wisdom teeth, you may need a surgical extraction. At Gosford Family Dentists, we offer twilight sedation, a general anaesthetic that places our patients into a calm, sleep-like state for the duration of the surgery, so they’re calm and comfortable.
Do I need a tooth removed?
Not every dental issue requires a tooth extraction. We conduct a thorough examination at our Gosford dental practice to assess the best course of action. In many cases, a filling or dental crown is enough to resolve any issues and restore a damaged tooth. If a tooth extraction is necessary, our team of expert dentists can advise on options like dental implants to maintain a natural-looking smile.
Contact Gosford Family Dentists
If you’re experiencing persistent tooth or jaw pain, don’t wait for your next check-up. Contact Gosford Family Dentists for more information, expert care and guidance. Acting early can reduce any damage and further complications, giving you the best chance at preserving your dental health and smile.
