A dental extraction is the removal of a tooth. In some cases, a patient only needs a single tooth extracted. In other cases, such as preparing for cosmetic, orthodontic, or smile restoration, we may need to extract more teeth. Losing a tooth can be stressful, but our team will ensure that you are as comfortable as possible if you need a tooth extraction in Providence or Central Falls, RI.
Your Providence, RI dentist employs two types of techniques to remove a tooth.
Using forceps, the dentist gently rocks the tooth out of its socket.
Using a scalpel, the dentist makes an incision in the gums to access the roots of the teeth. A surgical extraction often is needed if the tooth is severely decayed or damaged.
There are multiple reasons why someone might need an extraction. Here are the top reasons why your dentist might recommend removing a tooth.
Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss.
When plaque and tartar aren’t removed regularly, they irritate the gum tissue. The irritation can lead to gum recession and infections. Eventually, it will result in bone loss and loose teeth. Gum disease is not reversible at this stage, and your tooth or teeth will likely need to be extracted.
We cannot excavate dental decay that has reached the tooth’s pulp chamber and place a filling. The pulp chamber is where the tooth’s pulp (or nerve) is housed. Once decay reaches the nerve, it causes an infection, resulting in pain and, in many cases, an abscess.
The only ways to treat the tooth are with root canal treatment or an extraction. You and your dentist might choose a tooth extraction in Providence, RI, due to cost or if there is not enough tooth structure to restore it with a root canal and crown.
Getting hit in the mouth can traumatize one or more teeth. The trauma can result in a knocked-out tooth, a broken tooth, or a bruised tooth.
A tooth with a severe fracture might not have enough structure to support a crown and will likely need to come out.
Similarly, a bruised tooth (resulting in a damaged nerve) needs a root canal and possibly a crown. However, this isn’t always an option, in which case the tooth will need an extraction.
Patients with small mouths or crowded teeth who want orthodontic treatment might need to have one or multiple extractions first. Straightening the teeth requires enough space to do so. If there’s not enough space on the jawbone for this, we may need to extract some teeth. Typically, the teeth most likely to be extracted in this situation are one set of bicuspids.
While some people can live with their wisdom teeth, others need to have them extracted. Here are some reasons why.
The wisdom teeth can cause damage in these situations, even contributing to gum disease, adjacent tooth root resorption, or dental decay. The teeth should be extracted to prevent issues and protect your oral health.
Once you’ve had a tooth extracted, you don’t need to live with an empty space in your mouth. In fact, it’s better not only for your dental health but also for your overall health that you have the tooth replaced.
Your dentist can recommend various replacement options, including dentures, dental bridges, and dental implants.
Replacing a missing tooth will restore your smile, make eating and speaking more comfortable, and help protect adjacent teeth from damage. Contact our team to learn more about your options.
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