Although we always strive to preserve your natural teeth, in some cases a tooth is beyond repair and must be extracted. Our office performs both simple and surgical extractions dallas texas. Surgical extractions involve removing a broken, impacted or unrestorable tooth below the gum line and may require breaking it up into pieces.
Tooth decay
Tooth decay is a common dental health problem. It happens when bacteria in the mouth produce acids that attack the teeth’s enamel, resulting in a small hole or cavity. It can cause tooth pain, infections, and even lead to loss of the tooth. Tooth decay can be prevented by practicing good oral hygiene, limiting intake of sugary foods and drinks, and getting regular dental checkups.
In the early stages of tooth decay, a person may not experience any symptoms. However, if left untreated, white spots will appear on the teeth and will eventually turn into a deep cavity. The weakened enamel allows the bacteria to ‘drill’ into the inner material of the tooth, causing sensitivity and even an infection. The bacteria can also reach the root of the tooth and cause a gum abscess, which is filled with pus and very painful to deal with.
Tooth decay is most likely to happen in the back teeth (molars and premolars) because they have grooves, pits, crannies, and multiple roots that can collect food particles and bacteria for longer periods of time than the smoother front teeth. Other risk factors include diet, family history, lack of fluoride, age, dry mouth, socioeconomic status, and special needs. A dentist can diagnose tooth decay with an oral exam and X-rays. If the decay has reached the nerve of a tooth, a root canal treatment may be required to save it.
Impacted or crooked teeth
Crooked or misaligned teeth are more than just a cosmetic issue. They can cause a variety of dental and health problems that affect your quality of life, from making it harder to clean your teeth to increasing the risk of gum disease.
The good news is that a lot of the causes of crooked teeth are preventable with regular dental care and timely orthodontic intervention. Genetics are a large factor in the development of crooked teeth, as well as overcrowded or overly spaced teeth that can twist, overlap or protrude (stick out).
Other common causes include:
Childhood habits like thumb sucking or prolonged use of a pacifier can exert pressure on the mouth and teeth, nudging them out of alignment. Accidental trauma or injuries to the mouth and jaw can also impact tooth alignment.
Incorrectly fitting dental restorations such as crowns or fillings can also cause crooked teeth, as they may shift the position of your existing teeth and create tight spaces that are more difficult to clean, thus raising the risk of tooth decay and other dental issues. In addition, crooked teeth can create uneven pressure on your teeth, wearing them down more quickly and potentially weakening the overall structure of your smile. This can lead to chewing and digestion problems, speech difficulties and an increased risk of jaw pain or injury.
Severe gum disease
Severe gum disease involves the infection of the tissues and bones that hold teeth in place. It is a progressive condition that affects the entire mouth and can lead to tooth loss. Untreated gum disease can also increase your risk of certain health conditions including heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory issues. It can even shorten your life.
Gum disease comes in two stages, gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is the milder form that only infects the gum tissue, whereas the more severe stage of periodontitis damages the tissue and bone that supports the teeth. Both can be reversed with proper dental care and oral hygiene habits.
If gum disease advances to the more severe stage of periodontitis, your dentist may recommend surgical treatment such as flap surgery or bone and tissue grafts. These procedures help to reduce pocket depth and promote healthy tissue growth. Typically, they are performed in-office and require local anesthesia or sedation.
Although gum disease is not a direct killer, it does raise the risk of serious and potentially life-threatening conditions like heart disease, diabetes, respiratory problems, rheumatoid arthritis, and preterm birth or low birth weight. These complications occur when bacteria from infected gums enter the bloodstream and contribute to systemic inflammation throughout the body. This is why it is important to prioritize oral care, seek early detection and treatment, and manage other risk factors such as smoking, diabetes, medications, hormonal changes in women, and genetics.
Broken teeth
Tooth fractures occur when a tooth is weakened by external forces such as physical altercations, sports injuries, or trauma. They may also be the result of dental issues such as large cavities or lost fillings. Broken teeth often cause pain, and if left untreated can lead to serious oral health problems.
Depending on the severity of the break, a dentist may be able to repair it with root canal treatment or dental implant replacement. However, if the break extends to the root or inner pulp, the tooth will need to be removed.
If a broken tooth doesn’t reach the pulp layer (the nerves and blood vessels inside), it won’t hurt. But as the crack progresses, the sensitivity will increase. Eventually, the bacteria eat away at the exposed dentin and pulp, which can result in a sudden, severe toothache.
Symptoms of a broken tooth include sensitivity to hot and cold, sharp pain when chewing, bleeding at the site of the injury, a bad taste in your mouth, and swelling of the gum tissue around the tooth. A dental extractions dallas texas procedure involves removing the damaged tooth, as well as the surrounding bone tissue and gum. It’s important that you follow aftercare best practices to prevent infections and complications like dry socket.
