Impacted, broken, or otherwise severely damaged teeth shouldn’t be ignored. One such treatment, though it may seem counterintuitive, is to have them removed. Our Greater Orlando, FL, dentists will always attempt to save your natural teeth, but when it becomes apparent that they’re past the point of fillings, root canals, or crowns, tooth extraction is the best for your oral health.

Extracting a tooth may be necessary for teeth that are impacted, broken, or damaged beyond simple repair.

Learn more about when the tooth extraction procedure is needed below.

Steps Taken Before Extraction

We never move forward with tooth extractions unless we’ve taken a closer look at your mouth. Beyond it just being good practice, an oral exam and dental X-rays prior to getting started allows our dentists to observe the positioning of the affected tooth and confirm whether there are other problems that lie beneath the surface. We’ll also take note of the surrounding gums at this time.

If we end up discovering that the tooth can be treated instead of pulled, our dentists will go over all necessary details and fill the tooth, place a porcelain crown, or clear the infection with a root canal. We can also discuss dental sedation options regardless of if extraction or another procedure is pursued.

Instances That Call for Tooth Extraction

When more conservative treatments are no longer viable, our dentists will turn to tooth removal. But when exactly does extraction make sense? Aside from situations in which there is overcrowding or impacted wisdom teeth, tooth extraction can be used for:

1. Severe Tooth Decay:
   • When a tooth is extensively decayed or has a large cavity that cannot be restored through dental fillings or crowns, extraction may be necessary.
2. Advanced Periodontal Disease:
   • Gum disease (periodontitis), can lead to the weakening of the supporting structures of the teeth, resulting in the need for extraction.
3. Trauma or Injury:
   • Teeth that sustain irreparable damage, such as fractures or dislodgement, may need to be extracted if they cannot be effectively restored.
4. Impending Infection:
   • When a tooth is at risk of developing a severe infection that could spread to other parts of the mouth or body, extraction may be recommended to prevent further complications.

Do What’s Best for Your Smile

Come in to be evaluated by our dentists serving Greater Orlando, FL, and we can let you know whether extraction is truly the solution or your natural teeth can be saved after all. Request an appointment by calling Classic Smiles today at (407) 378-0139.