Reasons Why Teeth Are Extracted

While sitting in the waiting room at your dentist’s office, you wonder what steps your dentist will take to stop your toothache.  A filling or root canal perhaps?

After x-rays have been taken and your dentist has examined you, he tells you, “The tooth must be extracted.”

Although a dentist will try to save a tooth, there are times when he cannot and the tooth must be extracted.  There are many reasons why a tooth, or even teeth, may need to be extracted.

Damaged Teeth – Those teeth that are cracked, broken or extensively decayed many times need to be extracted. 

Malpositioned or Nonfunctional Teeth – Teeth that are out of position or alignment may irritate an individual’s mouth and may have to be removed.  Nonfunctional teeth, such as third molars with no matching teeth to bite against, may be removed to prevent tooth decay and periodontal disease.

Orthodontic Reasons – When orthodontic treatment is needed and there is not enough room for the dentist to work, a tooth may need to be extracted to create the room the dentist needs to perform the orthodontic treatment.

To Create Room for Permanent Teeth – There are times when baby teeth are extracted to make room for the permanent teeth that are emerging. 

Your dentist will gather all your relevant medical information during your pre-extraction examination.  Inform your dentist if you have experienced any problems with previous tooth extractions, have any type of bleeding problems, and let him know all medications and supplements that you are currently taking.

Do not hesitate to inform your dentist of any concerns you may have about your upcoming tooth extraction.  Once your dentist knows of your apprehensions concerning your upcoming tooth extraction, you and he can decide whether or not the use of sedation may be advisable to control your anxiety.