General Dentistry
Tooth Extractions in San Ramon
Although preserving a natural tooth is usually preferred, there are situations where a tooth extraction is necessary to maintain oral health. Reasons for extraction include trauma, disease, or crowding. Tooth extraction involves the complete removal of one or more teeth from the jawbone.
While preserving natural teeth is always preferred, there are several reasons that may necessitate tooth extraction. According to the American Dental Association, extractions may be needed for teeth with severe trauma, extensive decay or disease, or when they are causing crowding. It’s also common to extract one or two teeth before beginning orthodontic treatment.
Many tooth extractions are straightforward and performed in-office. For teeth that are fully visible above the gum line, the dentist will numb the area and use forceps to remove the tooth. However, broken or impacted teeth require a more complex procedure.
In some situations, extracting crowded or impacted teeth is beneficial. Impacted wisdom teeth, for instance, often lack enough space to emerge properly. Removing them can prevent pain, infection, and other dental complications. While not all wisdom teeth need to be extracted, intervention is necessary if they cause problems. Partially erupted wisdom teeth are particularly vulnerable to cavities and can contribute to crowding.
Teeth may also need to be extracted before starting orthodontic treatment. Proper alignment of the teeth with braces can be challenging if there isn’t enough space. Crowded teeth increase the risk of gum disease and cavities. By extracting some teeth, it can help alleviate crowding and facilitate better alignment.
Teeth are resilient but not invincible. Traumatic dental injuries can result from sports, car accidents, or even simple falls. While many injuries may be minor, severe damage that compromises the tooth’s structure often necessitates extraction if restoration isn’t feasible.
Promptly scheduling an appointment after a traumatic injury is crucial for optimal outcomes. Our team will assess for any additional damage that might not be immediately visible. Severely fractured teeth that are loose and irreparable typically require extraction. It is important to address any dental trauma seriously, regardless of how minor it may seem.