In dentistry, tooth extraction is a last resort reserved for more dire cases. If at all possible, we prefer to perform root canal treatment rather than remove teeth altogether. Nevertheless, sometimes tooth extractions are the only option, whether the tooth is compromised beyond repair or grossly misaligned. In this blog, we’ll tease out scenarios where tooth extraction may be the best — or sole — solution.

Common Reasons for Tooth Extraction

Severe Decay or Damage

Damage or decay can wreak havoc on teeth, to the point where not even white fillings or root canal treatment can restore form or functionality. When a tooth has reached such an irreparable state, there’s little left to do than extract it. Think of it as uprooting a dead plant that can no longer bear fruit and will only contaminate your otherwise thriving garden.

Gum Disease

Advanced gum disease, also known as periodontal disease or periodontitis, can lead to loose teeth. If the disease has caused significant damage to the supporting structures of the tooth, extraction may be necessary to preserve overall oral health. After all, with no supporting structures, your tooth cannot stand on its own, so it’s best to cut your losses and perhaps start fresh with a dental implant.

Impacted Teeth

Teeth that cannot properly emerge from the gum, such as wisdom teeth, can become impacted. This can lead to pain, infection, and damage to adjacent teeth. Extracting impacted teeth is often necessary to avoid these complications. As the old saying goes, “let go of what no longer serves you”.

Orthodontic Treatment

For those undergoing orthodontic treatments like Invisalign clear braces, extracting certain teeth may be a means to achieving healthy dental alignment. This helps unlock a better bite (occlusion) and enhances the overall effectiveness of the treatment. It can also transform your appearance, giving you greater confidence in your smile.

Dental Emergencies

In dental emergencies where a tooth is severely fractured or infected, extraction may be required to alleviate pain and prevent the spread of infection. Due to the urgent nature of emergency work, dentists may lack the luxury of time to devise an alternative treatment plan, opting for the simplest and most catch-all solution available to them: tooth extraction.

Preparation for Other Dental Work

Extraction may be part of the preparation for other dental procedures. For example, if you’re getting dental implants, extracting damaged or decayed teeth may be necessary before placing the implant. Similarly, if you’re considering dental bridges, your dentist may need to prepare or extract the adjacent teeth to make room for the bridge.

Alternatives to Extraction

While tooth extraction is sometimes necessary, there are alternative treatments available that can save a tooth:

Root Canal Treatment

If the root is infected but the structure is intact, a root canal treatment can often save a tooth by removing its infected tissue and sealing it up. We prefer to perform this procedure if there is a chance we can save the tooth.

Dental Crowns/Caps

Dental crowns/caps can protect and restore function to cracked or severely damaged teeth. This treatment involves fitting and placing a prosthetic, but it also means you can retain your natural tooth as much as possible. Thanks to our CEREC technology, you can get your prosthetic placed in under two hours if you don’t want to mess around with temporary crowns.

Dental Veneers

If the tooth has cosmetic issues, dental veneers can improve its appearance without the need for extraction. Dental veneers are porcelain shells that sit atop natural teeth to enhance aesthetics. Many patients use them to cover unsightly cracks, dings, or discolouration.

Teeth Whitening

If you’re considering tooth extraction for purely cosmetic reasons, teeth whitening can obliterate deep-seated stains and eliminate the need to uproot anything. For the pearliest and whitest results, we recommend our Zoom whitening procedure.

Tooth Extractions: Sometimes a Necessary Evil

However unpleasant they are and however much we strive to avoid them, tooth extractions are sometimes a necessary evil. You can rest assured that we would not perform the procedure if we did not deem it necessary for your oral health. Should you find yourself requiring a tooth extraction — whether for decay, gum disease, or orthodontic purposes — you’ll find yourself in good hands at Abbotsford Dental. We take a holistic health approach where we see the person beyond the mouth, offering gentle options for those uneasy in a dental chair.

Abbotsford Dental’s Got You Covered

Abbotsford Dental has every dental solution available. If you have little ones grappling with teething issues — sometimes literally — we have children’s dentistry services available. On the other end of the spectrum, we can fit you with a shiny, new pair of dentures if your natural teeth are giving out.

Whether it’s been a while since your last checkup and clean, or you’re wondering if you need a tooth extraction, you can count on Abbotsford Dental for all things oral health. Our team of experts will ensure that you receive the best care possible, which can even include sleep dentistry if you’re feeling particularly nervous. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help with your dental needs.