When Extractions are Recommended

Dentistry is concerned with diagnosing, preventing, and treating diseases, disorders, and conditions of the oral cavity and adjacent and related structures and their impact on the human body. Often, dentists will recommend extraction to remove a tooth due to decay, pain, or other factors which could lead to future health issues, possible loss of teeth, and difficulty in chewing.

Decayed teeth

Teeth can become infected by bacteria, which may cause pain and loss of chewing ability. If left untreated, an infection can spread to other areas of your mouth and even infect other parts of your body. To avoid dentistry problems that include tooth decay, contact your dentist regularly for cleanings and exams. Be sure to brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily to remove food particles between teeth. The best thing you can do for your oral health is practice good preventative care, so you will not need to visit a dentist as often.

Misaligned teeth

This is not a cause of pain, but it's one reason why patients might be put off by their appearance. Misaligned teeth may make your smile appear crooked or lopsided, which can make you feel self-conscious about your smile. This is often an aesthetic issue rather than a dental issue that cosmetic dentistry can help fix. However, some patients may have poorly aligned teeth due to crowded jaws or orthodontic problems requiring more extensive treatment. This condition is known as malocclusion. An extraction may be recommended if the malocclusion is severe and unlikely to correct with orthodontics alone.

Receding gums

If your gums keep receding and you're struggling to find a way to make them stop, it might be time for an extraction. Receding gums can put pressure on nearby teeth, causing some of those teeth to become loose or even fall out over time. In addition, as your gum tissue thins and begins to recede, bacteria from around your mouth can come into contact with sensitive tooth roots—which can cause a root canal infection or other serious dental problems.

If you're experiencing receding gums, your dentist may recommend that you have one or more teeth extracted to give your gums some breathing room. This can be an effective way to stop your gums from continuing to recede, but it does come with risks.

Having a tooth removed could lead to permanent damage if you do not treat gum recession as soon as possible.