There are many different reasons why teeth need to be pulled. Whether it’s for a cosmetic treatment, or for the benefit of your oral health, it’s important to know the early warning signs so you can keep your smile healthy! At Walt Orthodontics, we want to be there for every step of the way, and provide you with the right information to ensure your smile stays healthy!
When Is It Time To Pull A Tooth??
A common reason teeth get pulled is periodontal disease. This is when a buildup of plaque and tartar occurs over time, and can lead to your gums receding. When this occurs, your teeth may become loose or even fall out. The best way to combat periodontal disease is to brush and floss your teeth the daily recommended amount and to book regular professional cleaning appointments with your dentist.
Another reason teeth may need to be extracted is due to untreated cavities. As a cavity lingers on your tooth, it can start to decay and eat at the root located underneath the crown. Once a tooth dies or becomes damaged beyond repair, it will be advised to remove the tooth to properly clean the area. It’s important to remember that your oral health is closely tied to your overall health!
Sometimes Healthy Teeth Need To Be Pulled
For successful orthodontic treatment the teeth need to be aligned inside of the gum tissue and supporting bone. Unfortunately the size of the teeth and jaws are not correlated. It is very common to have big teeth and small jaws, which results in dental crowding. When possible we always try to make space for the teeth by either expansion of the back teeth or advancement of the front teeth. However, there is a point after which too much space creation results in the teeth being in an unhealthy and unstable position. In these situations, teeth (usually premolars) are removed as the strategy to create space. By doing so, the remaining teeth can be moved to a stable and healthy position.
The hesitation in removing teeth which are considered healthy is totally understandable. The issue is that keeping them will result in an unhealthy situation for the other teeth – so the overall health of the bite and other teeth are considered in this decision. Each case is evaluated on an individual basis and many factors are considered.
What Happens If The Tooth Is Not Extracted?
It’s important to remove teeth that have been severely damaged. If the tooth in question is not removed, it can create a build up of bacteria in your mouth the longer you wait. Not only can this be painful, but it can also hurt the neighbouring teeth and gums that surround it!
Other reasons patients may want a tooth extraction is due to crowding, as discussed above, or to make room for an incoming tooth. Although still essential for maintaining optimal oral health, this would not require as much immediate attention as a tooth affected by periodontal disease. The best option is to come in person, and let us professionally assess you. From here, we can make a custom treatment plan and get your beautiful smile under way!
Serving Vaughan and Toronto!
Dr. Walt, Dr. Grossman and our dedicated team would love to meet you and your family! We have been proudly serving Vaughan and the GTA communities since 2013. We offer a variety of treatments like braces, Invisalign, and teeth whitening! Call us at 905-553-8666 or fill out our online contact form to book a consultation. We look forward to meeting you, and helping you achieve the smile of your dreams!
