It's not always easy to know when you need a tooth pulled. Sometimes the signs are obvious, but other times it can be difficult to tell. That's why it's important to see your dentist Stevenage regularly and get their opinion on whether or not a tooth should be extracted. In some cases, a dental team will pull teeth as a preventive measure, before any problems arise. For example, if you have an impacted wisdom tooth, your dental team may recommend that it be removed before it has a chance to cause any problems. There are a few different reasons why your dental team may recommend pulling a tooth:
- Decay: If a tooth is severely decayed, it may need to be pulled.
- Infection: An infection in the tooth can lead to pain, swelling, and eventually tooth loss. If the infection is severe enough, your dental professional may recommend pulling the tooth.
- Gum disease: Gum disease is a serious condition that can lead to bone loss and tooth loss. If you have gum disease, your dental team may recommend pulling one or more teeth.
- Orthodontic treatment: In some cases, orthodontic treatment (braces) may require that one or more teeth be pulled.
If your dental team does recommend pulling a tooth, don't worry - it's usually not as bad as it sounds. Tooth extractions are very common procedures, and most people don't have any problems with them. The key is to find a dental team that you trust and feel comfortable with. That way, you can be sure that the procedure will be done properly and with as little discomfort as possible.
Alternatives to extraction
Sometimes a tooth may need to be pulled, but there are alternatives to extraction. In some cases, your dental team may be able to save the tooth with a root canal or a dental crown. If the tooth is severely decayed or infected, however, it may not be possible to save it and tooth extraction will be necessary. In dentistry extractions are not the first course of action and treatment to repair or restore teeth will always be closed first by a reasonable dental professional.
Bridges and implants
Most people are familiar with bridges and implants, but not everyone knows the difference between them. A bridge is a dental restoration that is used to replace one or more missing teeth. It is made up of two or more crowns that are attached to the adjacent teeth. The bridge is then connected to the missing tooth or teeth. Both options can be useful after an extraction, but it is more common to get an implant in single-tooth gaps. An implant is a metal post that is surgically placed into the jawbone. Once the implant has healed, an artificial tooth (crown) is attached to it. Implants are a popular option for replacing missing teeth because they look and function just like natural teeth.
Do you think you need a tooth pulled?
Talk to your dental team and get their opinion. He'll be able to tell you if a tooth needs to be pulled and explain the procedure to you. Remember, there's no need to be afraid of seeing your dental team - they are just trying to help you maintain good oral health!
