Severe Decay or Damage

When tooth decay progresses to the point where it has extensively damaged a tooth’s structure, extraction may be necessary. This occurs when the decay has compromised the tooth’s pulp (innermost part), and it can’t be saved with treatments like dental fillings or root canals. Extraction is performed to prevent the spread of infection to neighboring teeth and tissues.

Overcrowding

In cases of overcrowded mouths, where there isn’t enough space for all teeth to align properly, one or more teeth may need to be extracted to create the necessary space for the remaining teeth to achieve proper alignment and bite correction. This is often done in conjunction with orthodontic treatment.

Advanced Gum Disease

Periodontitis is a severe form of gum disease (periodontal disease) that leads to the loss of supporting bone around teeth. When the bone loss becomes extensive and teeth become loose, they may need to be extracted to prevent further damage to gum tissue and maintain overall oral health.

Impacted Teeth

Wisdom teeth, which typically erupt in late adolescence or early adulthood, often lack adequate space to emerge properly in the patient and mouth. This can lead to tooth impaction, causing pain, infection, or damage to adjacent teeth. Extraction becomes necessary to alleviate these issues and prevent complications like cyst formation.

Orthodontic Treatment

Tooth extraction may be part of orthodontic treatment when there are alignment issues that can’t be corrected without removing certain teeth. This extraction can help create space for braces or other orthodontic appliances to move teeth into their desired positions.

Failed Root Canal Therapy

Sometimes, a tooth that has undergone root canal therapy may not heal properly or may become reinfected. If further attempts to save the affected tooth either aren’t feasible or have a low chance of success, extraction is considered to prevent ongoing pain and infection.

Teeth With Severe Bone Loss

Teeth that have experienced significant bone loss due to trauma, infection, or other factors may become unstable and painful. When the tooth is no longer viable and secure in the jawbone, extraction may be the best option to relieve pain and swelling and prevent further complications.