Why Might I Need a Dental Extraction?

For most dentists, including those at our Kew East, VIC dental clinic, dental extractions are almost always a treatment of last resort. It’s usually better to save a tooth rather than extract it. But the truth is, saving a tooth is not always possible. There are some situations where extraction is necessary; sometimes extraction can actually protect oral health.

Here are the instances where we might recommend to patients that we extract a tooth.

Gum Disease

Many people don’t realize that gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss among Australian adults. If we treat gum disease early enough, the condition can be managed and the teeth can be protected. If left untreated, however, teeth may begin to loosen and eventually need to be extracted.

Decay or Damage

When we detect tooth decay in its early stages, a filling or crown can keep the decay from spreading and protect the health of the tooth. If decay is too far gone to be treated, removing the tooth might be the best way to save the health of the other teeth in the mouth.

Accidents or Trauma

An automobile or sporting accident can cause injury to a tooth that requires extraction.

Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth are the third molars at the very back of the mouth. These teeth can be problematic and painful, in which case extraction is the best way to treat them. Often there is not enough room in the mouth for these teeth to grow in properly, and they become impacted. This requires surgical extraction.

Find Out More About Dental Extractions at Our Kew East, VIC Dental Clinic

If you have a problematic tooth that you suspect we will need to extract, we invite you to call our dental clinic. Our dentists can conduct an examination and help determine whether dental extraction is the best course of action.