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A tooth extraction is a procedure where your dentist removes your tooth from your mouth. During an extraction, the tooth and its roots will be permanently extracted from the bone. A dental extraction is a last resort for your dentist, and it is a procedure not performed unless it is absolutely necessary to protect your health. An extraction may be necessary if there are complications with a wisdom tooth, extensive damage or decay, overcrowding, or severe infection. Depending on your specific situation and the location of your tooth, the procedure can be simply done in the dentist’s chair or it can be a more complex surgical procedure. 

When Can It Be Prevented?

In certain cases, a dental extraction cannot be prevented. For example, wisdom teeth, also referred to as third molars, can disrupt your mouth when they finally erupt. They may create an infection in the gums, cause overcrowding, or damage the other teeth by coming into the mouth at an odd angle. There is no way to predict or prevent the complications caused by wisdom teeth; an extraction may be necessary. Accidents may cause such severe injury to a tooth that it cannot be restored with a root canal treatment or crown. In this case, the only prevention would be to prevent the accident. However, when it comes to extensive decay or infection, these can both usually be prevented or treated early enough to avoid an extraction. Oral hygiene keeps most decay at bay. If a cavity arises, a filling can stop it from progressing. If it does progress, a root canal can be the final stop before an extraction is necessary.

Do Not Postpone

If your dentist advises that you need a dental extraction, it is likely a scenario that will not improve on its own. If you delay, you could be endangering your health or the health of your other teeth. Your dentist or oral surgeon will aim to make you as comfortable as possible for the procedure.

A dental extraction may be your last resort

There are several reasons that may make a dental extraction necessary. Schedule a consultation at Mansfield Dental Associates by calling 817-473-6227. Located in Mansfield, TX, we also welcome patients and families from all surrounding communities including South Arlington, Kennedale, Southeast Ft. Worth, Alvarado, Midlothian, and more.