At Hill Country Oral Surgery, our goal is to preserve your natural teeth for as long as possible. We know that no dental implant or teeth replacement option will ever look and feel as good as your own pearly whites, so we do our best to save them with state-of-the-art restorative procedures.
However, on some occasions, dentists have no choice but to perform a tooth extraction, so we are also trained to help you with that. We understand that oral surgery can be stressful for many patients, so we strive to make you feel as relaxed and comfortable as possible during the surgery.
Still, we want our patients to be aware of why we might decide on this course of treatment. This information will help them do their best to take care of their radiant and healthy smiles and avoid invasive procedures. Below, we listed the most common reasons why a patient might need a dental extraction:
1. Extensive Tooth Decay
When cavities are left untreated for a long time, they become deep and extensive. They start by affecting the enamel, which is strong and resistant, but as soon as this protective layer disappears, the bacteria that causes the decay quickly invade the rest of the tooth. At this point, the tooth loses too much structure and gets so weak that no filling or root canal can save it.
2. Advanced Periodontal Disease
Later stages of periodontal disease affect the bone tissue that anchors the teeth. The same bacteria that attack the gums and cause inflammation also invade and degrade the bone tissue over time. As a result, the affected tooth becomes too loose, and no treatment can save it from extraction.
3. Severe Dental Trauma
Sometimes, extensive dental fractures cannot be fixed. This usually happens when the tooth is broken into too many pieces or if the root has been severely compromised. In these cases, our dentist will suggest the removal of the affected tooth and a tooth replacement treatment to restore your smile’s beauty and function.
4. Orthodontic Treatment
When teeth are too crooked, orthodontists need space to shift them into the correct position. For this reason, they might indicate the extraction of two or more healthy teeth – typically the premolars. This might sound strange at first because no patient would like to have healthy teeth pulled out, but it’s the only way to achieve a balanced and functional bite and the correct alignment of the patient’s smile.
Gentle Teeth Extractions at Hill Country Oral Surgery
Do you relate to any of the reasons mentioned above? Whether you suffer from periodontal disease or tooth decay, have been involved in an accident, or are simply under orthodontic treatment, our team is always ready to help. Do not hesitate to contact our office and schedule a consultation with one of our expert oral surgeons!
