The state of health your teeth are in can greatly affect the rest of your body’s health. It’s important to be aware of your oral health for these reasons. In some cases, tooth extractions are necessary to keep your mouth and teeth healthy. These are three of the most common reasons why tooth extractions occur.

Tooth Decay

Tooth decay occurs when there is damage to your tooth’s enamel. Enamel is the hard and highly mineralized substance covering the outer layer of each tooth. It protects the inner workings of your tooth including nerves and sensitive layers. When your enamel is weakened or damaged, an infection can occur. It’s essential to protect the enamel on your teeth, but sometimes decay happens. When your tooth begins to decay, it’s vital to see a dentist immediately. Depending on the severity of tooth decay, your tooth may need to be extracted. This is to protect the rest of your teeth and gums to avoid further infection.

Gum Disease

Gum disease is an infection that occurs within your gums. It damages the soft tissue in your gum and if gone unnoticed, the bones that support your teeth too. Gum disease doesn’t happen overnight but over a period of time. It will likely begin with gingivitis, which is when bacteria is present in your plaque buildup. If not addressed, it could progress to periodontitis. This is when the inner layer of gum and bone pull away from the teeth and form pockets. The pockets can catch food or other bacteria and form infections. As this worsens, so does the state of your gum and bone that hold your tooth in place. If you reach this stage, the next step would be tooth extraction.

Impacted or Overcrowded

The most common type of impacted teeth are wisdom teeth. These are very common teeth to be removed. Impaction occurs when your mouth does not have enough space for the said tooth. Your tooth has nowhere to go but still tries to properly grow in. When this occurs, tooth removal is encouraged. Overcrowded teeth are similar to impacted teeth. When your tooth has nowhere to go, it might bunch up, overlap, or get pushed another direction in your mouth. This often makes it difficult to brush or floss, which can lead to more plaque buildup. As you know, plaque buildup can lead to other infections like gum disease and tooth decay. If you’re unable to fix the overcrowding in your mouth with braces or other straightening tools, the tooth should be removed. Contact your dentist immediately if you experience either impacted or overcrowding in your mouth.

If you think you might need a tooth extraction, contact Wytheville Dental Group. Sometimes tooth extractions may be necessary to keep your mouth happy and healthy. In addition, we offer other dentistry services like cleanings, treatments, and more. To schedule an appointment visit us online here or call us at (276) 228-2777 today!