When Is It Best to Have a Tooth Removed?

In most cases, dentists want to save a tooth when it has been damaged by decay, injury or infection. With new dental technology and techniques, many teeth can be saved with root canal therapy and restorative repairs. However, there are some teeth that are beyond treatment and leaving them in the mouth could be detrimental. Here are some circumstances when a tooth should be removed.

Cracked or Broken Root

The root is crucial to the health of a tooth. When trauma or other factors have caused extensive damage to the root, the tooth may no longer be viable. Cracks below the gumline usually indicate the tooth needs extraction. If it is not already, it will likely become infected. Proactively removing the tooth, even if it is not painful yet, is often the best solution.

Extremely Decayed Teeth

If a tooth has had many cavities and fillings, there may be a point where there is not enough healthy tooth left. This usually occurs over decades, but eventually the tooth is more filling than dentin. If a crown cannot be placed, extraction may be recommended for these teeth with extensive decay.

Bone Loss

Bone loss in the jaw, usually from periodontal disease, is one of the most common reasons for lost teeth. If there is extensive bone loss around the tooth due to infection in the gums, it may need to be removed. Gum disease treatment can help manage periodontitis but there is not a cure, and some damage cannot be reversed. Removing the tooth and pursuing periodontal disease treatment can both be completed at Emergency Dentistry in Elk Grove, CA. We also can place dental implants to replace the lost tooth, but bone grafting may be needed if bone loss was the reason the tooth was removed.

At Emergency Dentistry in the Sacramento, CA area, we offer same-day treatments for many dental conditions, including infected, broken or decayed teeth. We will always discuss all options for treatment when possible, but if needed, we can perform a tooth extraction and discuss restoration with a dental implant. Call us first when you need urgent dental care near Elk Grove, CA.