When Is a Tooth Extraction Necessary San Diego, CA
A tooth extraction involves removing an infected or damaged tooth to prevent further issues in the mouth while also protecting other teeth in the mouth. While it may not always be necessary, certain factors can lead to an extraction being the most effective option for treatment. Many people are intimidated when they hear they may need to extract a tooth.
It is only natural since most people grow up being told their adult teeth should last the rest of their lives. If an extraction is necessary, it is crucial to speak with a dental professional.
Tooth extraction is available at Mission Valley Dental Arts in San Diego and the surrounding area. We can help take care of all your oral healthcare needs. Call us today at (619) 805-4248 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.
A Normal Procedure
While it is best to preserve natural teeth, many reasons can necessitate tooth extraction. Sometimes a filling or crown is not enough to restore a tooth. The American Dental Association suggests the extraction of teeth that have suffered severe trauma, have extreme tooth decay or disease, or are crowding the surrounding teeth. It is also normal for patients to have an extraction or two before orthodontic treatment.
Many tooth extractions are relatively simple and performed in-office. For teeth that are visible about the gum line, we will numb the extraction site and remove the tooth with forceps. Broken or impacted teeth require a more involved procedure.
“The American Dental Association suggests the extraction of teeth that have suffered severe trauma, have extreme tooth decay or disease, or are crowding the surrounding teeth.”
Reasons for Tooth Extraction
Tooth extractions are often performed to stop an infection. For most people, this occurs due to gum disease. Gum disease is a result of bacteria getting below the gum line, causing an infection. If left untreated, oral bacteria may lead to receding gums, loose teeth, and jawbone damage. Gum disease is also reportedly one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults.
Chronic dental infections may also cause inflammation, a condition linked to several systemic diseases – including cardiovascular disease and stroke. Root canals are often sufficient to save teeth from decay. In rare cases, however, a tooth may be too far gone to reasonably save. In such cases, extracting the tooth may be the most reasonable option.
“Tooth extractions are often performed to stop an infection.”
Common Types of Tooth Extractions
Teeth are often extracted when they are either crowding or impacted. Crowded teeth cannot fit adequately in the mouth, while impacted teeth (usually wisdom teeth) do not have enough room to grow. Impacted wisdom teeth are among the most common types of tooth extractions, and they typically come in during a patient's late teens or twenties. Not all wisdom teeth have to be extracted. However, once they start causing problems, extraction may become necessary.
It is also not uncommon to require tooth extractions before receiving braces. Orthodontic treatment necessitates a proper realignment of the teeth, which requires adequate room in the mouth. As such, crowded teeth may require extraction to achieve desired results. This may also reduce the patient's risk of developing cavities and gum disease.
“Teeth are often extracted when they are either crowding or impacted.”
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When Tooth Restoration Is Not Enough
Typically, the first option to restore a damaged tooth is a crown or filling. If the damage is too severe, trying to save a tooth may put oral health at further risk. A filling may put the tooth at risk for shattering, while a tooth may not be strong enough to support a crown. Root canals are also not possible when there is too much tooth damage.
Each tooth has a limit to how many times it can be worked on before it starts to fail. Redoing a crown or root canal only buys so much time. After several fillings, crowns, and root canals, there will not be much of the tooth left to save. At that point, tooth extraction is the best option to maintain oral health.
“If the damage is too severe, trying to save a tooth may put oral health at further risk.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. Why would a tooth need to be extracted?
Q. When is restoration not enough to save a tooth?
Q. What are the reasons for tooth extraction?
Q. What are the common types of tooth extractions?
Q. What kind of accidents can lead to tooth extractions?
People Also Ask
Q. How will my doctor help me prepare for my tooth extraction?
Q. What should I do if I lose teeth?
Q. What are partial removable dentures for one missing tooth?
Accidents Leading to Tooth Extractions
While adult teeth are extremely durable, they are not immune to damage. Both minor and major dental injuries can occur due to orofacial trauma. While most injuries from orofacial trauma are minor, some may be severe enough to necessitate tooth extraction. Common accidents leading to tooth extractions include, but are not limited to, car accidents, sports injuries, and slip-and-falls.
Since time is of the essence whenever there is any damage to the tooth, patients must get to our office as soon as possible after their accident. We can examine the tooth for any signs of additional damage that may not be apparent to the untrained eye. Tooth extraction may be necessary if teeth have become severely fractured, making them loose and unable to be restored. Even seemingly mild dental trauma should be taken seriously.
“Both minor and major dental injuries can occur due to orofacial trauma.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Do tooth extractions hurt?
A. In most cases, the patient will receive general or local anesthesia to keep them comfortable during the procedure. Some teeth that require extraction have even lost some of their nerve signals. We will do everything in our power to keep your safety and comfort at the forefront of everything we do.
Q. What should I tell my dentist before my tooth extraction?
A. Tooth extraction is generally a safe procedure, but there is a small risk of harmful bacteria entering the bloodstream. It also puts gum tissue at a small risk of infection. As such, patients with any conditions that put them at high risk for developing a severe infection may need to take antibiotics before and after the extraction. Make sure to let Mission Valley Dental Arts know your complete medical history and any medications and supplements you are currently taking. It is also essential to let us know if you have congenital heart defects, artificial joints, damaged or man-made heart valves, impaired immune system, liver disease, or a history of bacterial endocarditis.
Q. When should I call the dentist after my tooth extraction?
A. Some swelling and residual bleeding 24 hours after a tooth extraction are normal and to be expected. However, you should call us immediately if you are experiencing severe pain and bleeding for more than four hours after the tooth extraction. You should also let us know if you are experiencing any signs of infection (such as fever and chills), nausea and vomiting, cough, shortness of breath, redness, swelling, chest pain, or excessive discharge from the treated area.
Q. What is it like to recover from a tooth extraction?
A. It usually takes a few days to recover from a tooth extraction. Some minor pain and discomfort are not unusual, and they can generally be controlled with over-the-counter medications. Eating soft foods, refraining from tobacco use, and applying an ice pack can also help.
Q. What happens after a tooth extraction?
A. We may prescribe you painkillers to prevent infection. Take these as directed. Do not rinse or spit forcefully for 24 hours after the extraction, lest you dislodge the clot forming in the socket. Remember to follow any other direction we provide you.
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Dental Terminology
Call Us Today
When necessary, tooth extraction can relieve pain and give you have a more functional smile. Our team at Mission Valley Dental Arts can help determine whether you are a good candidate for this procedure. Call us at 619-805-4248 to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2025
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2025
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2025
About our business, license, and website security
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