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When Should a Tooth Be Extracted?

Masked dental professionals with tools for a dental extraction look down on the patient.

Tooth extractions are one of the scarier procedures you can get. There’s a recovery process and then you need to think about tooth replacement. For those and other reasons, extraction is rarely the first treatment we consider. In certain situations, however, extraction is the best choice for your health. When should a tooth come out?

It’s Severely Infected

Infections are often caused by extreme decay and gum disease. Symptoms include swollen gums, increased sensitivity, and intense pain. Root canals treat infections and save the natural tooth, but in some cases an extraction is necessary. You can avoid infections by maintaining a great oral hygiene routine at home and visiting the dentist regularly.

It’s Damaged Beyond Repair

Your teeth are not invincible. They can break if you chew on hard foods like ice, hard candy, and nuts. Car accidents, sports injuries, and bad falls can also cause extensive damage to your smile. Other treatments often repair a broken tooth, but if the damage is severe, an extraction might be the only option. You can avoid sports injuries by wearing a mouthguard. Visit Leesburg Family Dental for a custom sports mouthguard that will be comfortable to wear.

It’s Crowding Your Other Teeth

If your teeth are too close together, they can cause a lot of problems. Crowded teeth are harder to clean, which increases the chance of decay and gum disease. They also grind against each other, weakening your tooth structure. Sometimes teeth need to be extracted to prepare for orthodontics.

It’s Impacted

Impacted teeth don’t erupt properly. Wisdom teeth are often impacted because they’re the last molars to come in. They don’t have enough room. Pain, cavities, and gum tenderness are common symptoms.

Tooth extractions at Leesburg Family Dentistry in Virginia

Tooth extractions are scary, but thanks to a local anesthetic and Dr. Mualla’s care, you won’t feel pain during the procedure. We also offer sedation if you need help managing your anxiety. Take it easy the next 2-3 days after an extraction and follow the detailed aftercare instructions we’ll provide. If you have any questions about extractions or want to schedule an appointment, please get in touch today!

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