A tooth extraction is something that dentists and patients try to avoid at all costs. But, in some cases, a tooth extraction may be the only way to save a patient’s smile from further damage. Luckily, our trusted family dentistry center can help patients safely and effectively remove troublesome teeth to restore their oral health and function.
Dr. Peter L. Noto and his compassionate team proudly serve patients in Oakbrook Terrace, IL, and the surrounding areas. With preventive, cosmetic, and restorative options, our patients can get the comprehensive and gentle care they deserve under one roof. Schedule your appointment at Gallery Dental of Oakbrook by calling (630) 620-8300 or by submitting a request here.
Although a tooth extraction sounds extreme, removing problematic teeth may be medically necessary. In this post, Dr. Noto and his team explain five reasons why you might need a tooth extraction.
1. Wisdom Teeth Removal
Typically, humans come equipped with 12 molars. The first and second sets of molars are the most visible, as their wide grinding surfaces can be seen easily at the back of the mouth. But, what about the third set of molars?
For many patients, their third molars (also called wisdom teeth) never form or erupt. Other patients, however, experience significant oral health issues from wisdom teeth, such as:
- Abnormal angle of growth: Wisdom teeth do not have much room to move or grow. When space is limited, these molars can grow sideways, which can be painful and damage surrounding teeth.
- Partial eruption: Third molars often struggle to fully erupt past the gumline. As a result, gum irritation and infections increase significantly with partially erupted wisdom teeth.
- Impaction: When space is extremely limited, emerging wisdom teeth have nowhere to grow. As a result, they cannot break through the gums to claim their position in the mouth, which can cause pain and dental abscesses.
Wisdom teeth removal is one of the most common types of tooth extractions. In fact, experts believe that extracted wisdom teeth account for nearly 10 million teeth pulled every year.
2. Severe Dental Decay
Generally, our Oakbrook Terrace dentist can treat cavities with quality dental restorations, like dental crowns and fillings. However, dental decay has an event horizon. That is–tooth decay can get so bad that even the most highly-trained professional cannot treat it.
Subsequently, a tooth extraction may be the only way to prevent severe dental decay from spreading or causing a life-threatening infection.
3. Advanced Gum Disease
Similar to dental decay, gum (periodontal) disease can progress past the point of repair. So, when periodontitis irreparably damages the gums and surrounding tissue, then a health-saving tooth extraction may be the only solution.
4. Overcrowded Teeth
In some cases, patients have painfully crowded teeth. Removing one or more teeth (even if they are otherwise healthy) can help patients mitigate the pain and complications associated with overly crowded teeth.
5. Extreme Dental Damage
Accidental trauma can injure teeth significantly. While some dental damage is fixable, other damage may be too extensive to repair properly. In these cases, a tooth extraction and custom-made dental restoration may be necessary to prevent long-term pain and potential infections.
Ask Us If a Tooth Extraction Is Right for You
If you believe that you might need a tooth extraction, then don’t delay–contact the team at Gallery Dental of Oakbrook today. We’ll gladly help you determine if removal is necessary, as well as explore other restorative options to repair your smile.
Submit a request to see Dr. Noto here, or call (630) 620-8300 to schedule an appointment now.