Extraction refers to the surgical removal of one or more teeth. Dentists prefer to avoid extraction when other options are available. But sometimes extraction is the best course of action. Our Dallas, PA dentists often only recommend extractions in the following situations:
- Broken teeth
- Extensive damage caused by tooth decay
- Cases of severe gum disease
- Overcrowding of the jawbone (wisdom tooth extraction)
Reasons for Wisdom Tooth Extraction
One of the most common reasons for extractions is to relieve pressure caused by overcrowding of the jawbone. This procedure is referred to as wisdom tooth extraction. Your wisdom teeth are the final molars on each side of your upper and lower jawbones.
A person’s wisdom teeth usually erupt (emerge) between the ages of 17 and 21. For most people, the eruption of their wisdom doesn’t lead to any complications. But sometimes an erupting wisdom tooth can become impacted. This means that the path of the tooth is being blocked, either by colliding with the adjacent tooth or it gets stuck in the jawbone or the gum tissue. This can be extremely painful, and it requires professional dental intervention as soon as possible.
Sometimes dentists recommend the removal of a patient’s wisdom teeth before they become impacted. This is usually because the patient’s x-rays demonstrate overcrowding in the region. In these cases, removing the patient’s wisdom teeth can prevent major consequences in the future, such as pain, infection, gum disease, overcrowding of the jaw, and damage to the adjacent teeth.