Everyone wants to have a complete set of pearly whites to give a perfect smile boosts oral function. Whenever you have an oral issue, you will want to save your adult tooth as losing one or some of them are a dreadful experience. Whether you’re faced with tooth sensitivity, tooth decay, or chipped tooth, you will want your dentist to treat it right away to avoid further deterioration or eventual loss.
However, there are situations when your tooth can no longer be saved. In such cases, the most logical course of action is to get it removed so that it won’t contaminate other teeth. Read on to find out the four instances when you must get your tooth removed:
1. When you have an extra tooth
With an extra tooth that doesn’t fit into your mouth’s structure, you may probably have teeth misalignment and some oral function issues. Below are some types of oral problems brought about by an extra tooth:
- Supernumerary tooth: This is an addition to your natural 28 teeth, such as when you have three bicuspid teeth instead of two.
- Impacted wisdom tooth: This is usually stuck in your jaws as a result of insufficient space.
- Teeth crowding: This involves any natural tooth causing your teeth to get cramped in your mouth. Removing one of them will avoid crowding and return your teeth’s aesthetics.
2. When you have a severe or recurring infection
It’s common for some adults to have gum diseases such as gingivitis, characterized by swelling and bleeding. If left unattended for long periods, they can quickly escalate into periodontitis, which is a more severe gum infection that damages the soft tissues holding the teeth in place.
A root canal is your best treatment to clean up the infection and save your tooth. However, the problem is when the infection is already severe and recurring. The chances are that your tooth has lost enough bone, which allows you to wiggle the tooth back and forth. In such cases, having a tooth removal is the best course of action.
3. When you have a problematic wisdom tooth
Take note that not all wisdom teeth require removal. However, some people have to deal with painful and infected teeth, particularly if they are emerging or aren’t in the right position. For this reason, oral surgery is usually performed for those with impacted wisdom teeth.
Know that your wisdom tooth is only worth keeping if:
- It is completely embedded in your jaw, which has never erupted.
- It comes out in an upright position and fits comfortably into your mouth.
4. When you don’t have enough tooth structure left
Sure, your teeth can be treated by a dental professional. When you visit your dentist, you can have chipped, cracked, and damaged teeth restored. However, keep in mind that every time your dentist works on your teeth, they remove more of their structure.
With constant use and abuse, some of them will eventually reach their limits. There won’t be any more tooth structures left to support the crowns. This is when you need to remove one or some of them.
Conclusion
At this point, you now have a broader idea of when to get your tooth removed—if you have an extra tooth, a severe or recurring infection, a problematic wisdom tooth, and don’t have enough structure left.
When confronted with one or some of these oral problems, be sure to visit your local dentist in Ann Arbor or Waterford. With a reliable and trusted dentist, you’ll get a painless and seamless tooth removal that will protect your other teeth and boost your overall oral health!
Are you looking to have your tooth removed? You’ve come to the right place! We’re a dental house in Ann Arbor and Waterford, MI, offering various dental services—from preventive dentistry to cosmetic dentistry down to oral surgery. If you’re looking for an affordable dentist, get in touch with us today for a free consultation!