Even though permanent teeth are supposed to last for a lifetime, you may need to have a tooth removed at some point in your life. Your dentist removes the entire tooth from its tooth socket during a tooth extraction procedure, hoping to preserve your oral health.
Serving Lafayette and Delcambre, LA, Dr. Michael J. Young weighs out all restorative dentistry options. Then, he advocates for appropriate treatment. Message us online to find out if a tooth extraction is ideal for you.
Take this mini quiz if you have had a tooth bothering you recently. At the end of this brief, five-question test, you should be able to decide if you need to reach out to a local dentist about tooth extraction.
1. Are you suffering from extensive tooth decay?
Almost everyone will experience tooth decay at some point in their life. Moreover, the CDC estimates tooth decay occurs in 90% of adults aged 20 to 64.
Thankfully, tooth decay doesn’t form overnight. If you can catch a cavity in time, it can be saved with a filling or root canal and crown. However, a cavity will only expand if ignored. Dental extraction will be necessary if the cavity gets so large that it cannot be saved through other restorative means.
2. Are your teeth starting to feel loose from advanced periodontal disease?
Usually, gum disease starts as a mild gum infection (gingivitis), which can be reversed through professional deep cleaning and good hygiene. Unfortunately, gingivitis worsens into irreversible periodontal disease if not controlled early.
The periodontal pockets deepen as the gingival tissue grows more inflamed and plaque buildup hardens. Over time, significant bone, tooth, and gingival tissue damage occur. Thus, increasing the risk of tooth loss. If your teeth begin to feel loose due to advanced periodontal disease, speak with your dentist. First, they may opt to address the gum disease. Then, remove the diseased tooth.
3. Are your teeth damaged beyond repair?
Apart from tooth decay and periodontal disease, there are other ways that your teeth can loosen or suffer from damage. Additionally, your teeth may become damaged through cracking, chipping, and other trauma. Although a tooth can naturally repair itself through a mechanism called remineralization, this process can only repair minimal amounts of damage. Your dentist may suggest a tooth extraction if your teeth are hanging on by a thread and cannot be repaired through more conservative means.
4. Do you have a tooth at risk for impaction?
If a tooth does not have adequate space to fully erupt, it will become impacted. So, removing an impacted tooth can serve as a powerful prevention tool. Commonly, impacted wisdom teeth are removed before they cause major health issues (for example, infection).
5. Are your teeth overcrowded?
Before braces or Invisalign®, your dentist or orthodontist might suggest pulling a few teeth. Removing a few teeth in the back of the mouth can create more available space to accommodate your potential alignment.
Schedule a Tooth Extraction Consultation in Lafayette, LA
If you answered “yes” to any previously asked questions, it’s worth finding out if a tooth extraction could save your smile by protecting your health.
We have one more question. Do you live near Lafayette or Delcambre, LA? If so, book an appointment with Dr. Young by calling 337-237-6453 or messaging us online. We look forward to hearing from you.
