There are numerous reasons why our dentists in Maple Ridge, BC recommend tooth extraction. If they determine that removing the tooth is in your best interest, they will tell you why and how it will benefit your long-term oral health.
Severe Tooth Decay
There are many ways we can protect a decayed tooth, but if it has damaged too much of the tooth structure, our only option is to remove it.
Periodontal Disease
Advanced gum or periodontal disease can break down the bony structures in your jaw that hold your teeth in place. When a tooth becomes loose as a result, we will recommend tooth extraction.
Infected or Abscessed Tooth
If the dental pulp deep inside your tooth becomes infected, we can treat it with root canal therapy. However, if the infection has advanced too far, we may not be able to save the tooth and will recommend extraction.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth are third molars and are the last teeth to appear. In many cases, there isn't enough space in the jaw for wisdom teeth to come in correctly, which leads to crowding of surrounding teeth. Because tightly spaced wisdom teeth are difficult to clean properly and put you at increased risk for cavities and gum disease, we often recommend removing them.
Sometimes wisdom teeth cannot emerge in a straight position, and they become stuck—impacted—in the gums. In this case, we must perform a surgical extraction to remove them.
If you are worried about discomfort during wisdom tooth extraction, opting for IV sedation during your procedure will ensure that you remain relaxed and comfortable. If you want to see if IV sedation is right for you, please call our Maple Ridge dental office.
Dental Trauma or Injury
Dental trauma due to a blow to the face during sports, a fall, or an automobile accident can include a tooth broken off below the gumline or one that's been knocked loose (luxated). Both injuries make the tooth unsalvageable and extraction necessary.
Overcrowding
Crooked, crowded, or overlapped teeth can be corrected with braces or Invisalign; however, there must be enough room for tooth movement to occur. If your teeth are overcrowded, we may recommend removing one or two of them for the best treatment outcome.
The decision to remove a tooth is never one we make lightly. It's best for your long-term oral health to keep all your teeth intact for as long as possible. However, sometimes a tooth is so severely diseased or damaged that removing it is the only option.
