Having a healthy smile is important. Really important. Our teeth help us eat, speak, and smile. But sometimes our teeth can cause problems that need special attention. One solution is tooth extractions, which is when a skilled dental professional carefully removes problematic teeth (read more about tooth extractions here).
Tooth extractions may sound scary, but they are relatively routine procedures when conducted by a trained dental professional. If you think that you might need to have a tooth pulled, then contact our dentist in Fairfield, CT, today. New and current patients can reach Dr. Gary Horblitt at (203) 335-1011 to learn more.
While tooth extractions are usually a last-ditch effort, they may be required to restore your oral health. In this blog, we learn why and when tooth extractions are necessary. Let’s dive right in!
Why are tooth extractions needed?
Tooth extractions might sound extreme, but they are actually helpful in certain situations. Here are some reasons why dentists might recommend a tooth extraction:
Crowded Teeth
Sometimes, our mouths don’t have enough space for all of our teeth to fit comfortably. In these cases, a dentist may remove a tooth to make room for others to grow properly.
Damaged or Decayed Teeth
In some cases, a tooth may be too severely damaged or decayed to be fixed with a filling or a crown. Instead, an extraction may be necessary to prevent further pain or infection.
Wisdom Teeth
These are the last set of molars that grow at the back of our mouths. They often cause problems because they can grow at funny angles or get stuck in the jawbone. Dentists often recommend removing wisdom teeth to prevent pain and other issues. This procedure is so routine that experts estimate a shocking 10 million wisdom teeth pulled in the US yearly.
When are tooth extractions necessary?
Tooth extractions are not always the first choice, but there are situations when they become necessary. Here are a few instances when a tooth extraction might be needed:
Tooth Infections
When tooth decay or gum disease leads to an infection, it can be very painful. In such cases, a dentist may need to remove the infected tooth to stop the infection from spreading.
Orthodontic Treatment
Sometimes, people need braces to straighten their teeth. But if there’s not enough space for all the teeth to align properly, a tooth extraction might be necessary to make room.
Baby Teeth Problems
Most of the time, baby teeth fall out on their own. But if a baby tooth doesn’t come out when it should, the dentist may need to remove it to avoid problems with the growth of permanent teeth.
Gentle Tooth Extractions in Fairfield, CT
Tooth extractions might seem scary, but they are sometimes necessary to keep our smiles healthy and prevent further dental problems. If you think that you might need a tooth extracted, don’t wait. Get the proactive care your smile deserves with Dr. Gary Horblitt in Fairfield, CT. You can request appointments online here, or you can call our front desk team at (203) 335-1011 to get started now!
