During our childhood, losing a tooth is normal, jiggling it and wondering about a new bigger tooth which will come in it’s place. But for an adult, tooth loss is hardly a cause for celebration, yet having a tooth pulled sometimes is the only solution.
What are the main reasons for a tooth to be removed?
- A non-restorable tooth – Due to decay, the bacteria secrete acids and dissolve the tooth mater, causing the tooth to crumble to such an extent that the remaining structure cannot be used to provide function.
- Infection – many times the bacteria reach the pulp area of the tooth, multiply and migrate down the root canals to the bone where they create an infection commonly referred as an abscess.
- Gum disease – for some people the bacteria which reside in the gums cause the body to take away the bone that holds the teeth. This weakens the support and leads the teeth to become mobile. Unfortunately, if the infection is left untreated, this process becomes irreversible and the extraction is a way to remove the infected root and help the healing.
- Crowding – as part of an orthodontic treatment, the orthodontist analysis the size of the jaw and the size of the teeth. If the findings show that there is a large discrepancy, one or more teeth may need to be removed to enable the remaining ones to fit along the jaw in a orderly fashion.
- Risk of infection – some people have a compromised immune system, where an infection originated from an infected root canal or gum disease can put their lives at risk or interfere with the healing after surgical procedures. In these cases the involved teeth need to be removed for preventive care.
Dr. Kaufman has been removing teeth under sedation and in hospital under general anesthesia for many years. Since having a tooth removed is not a decision lightly made, we will examine your teeth and discuss the options available for you.
Please contact the practice for a consultation regarding a tooth extraction.