Does Your Tooth Need an Extraction?

Depending on the reason, losing a tooth can come as a surprise to some patients, but being told that one needs to be extracted can prove devastating as you anticipate the loss of what should have been a permanent tooth. With the numerous tools and treatments made available by modern dentistry, more people are able to retain more of their natural teeth than ever before. Unfortunately, extreme dental diseases and severe trauma still claim a considerable amount of adult teeth. When a tooth can no longer perform its duties and restoring it isn’t a viable option, then tooth extraction with your Park Ridge implant dentists may be the only option for preserving your mouth’s ability to function properly.

Reasons for Tooth Extraction

Typically, Drs. Maria and Thanasi Loukas advise preserving healthy tooth structure whenever possible. As advanced as modern dentistry is, even the most innovative restorative materials are no match for healthy, natural teeth. Nevertheless, restoration and preservation isn’t always an option, and tooth extraction may be necessary in cases of;

Severe gum disease—the leading cause of adult tooth loss in the U.S.; gum disease destroys gum tissue and jawbone, leaving teeth without any foundation support. Teeth may need extraction, or they may fall out on their own if treatment is neglected.

Extreme tooth decay—the reason behind cavities; tooth decay is an internal infection that eats away at a tooth’s structure. If the infection reaches the nerves and blood vessels at the center, these tissues can die, and the infection can spread through the tooth’s roots. Tooth extraction can prevent the spread of infection while removing the useless tooth.

Accidental trauma—hockey players know this one well; blunt trauma can destroy the connective tissues that hold a tooth in its socket, knocking the tooth out. In some cases, the tooth can be replanted, but if too much time passes, then a knocked out tooth will likely need a prosthetic replacement, preferably with a dental implant.

Life After Tooth Extraction

Tooth extraction is meant to remove a hindrance (a diseased or destroyed tooth) to preserve your mouth’s health and function. However, a healthy mouth needs a full set of teeth to continue functioning properly in the long run. If one or more of your teeth require an extraction, then speak with Dr. Loukas about the possibility of replacing them with dental implants—prosthetic tooth root devices that are surgically inserted into the jawbone. With the support of a dental implant, your replacement crown or appropriate prosthetic can look, feel, and perform like natural teeth supported by teeth roots.

About Dr. Maria and Dr. Thanasi Loukas:

Dr. Maria and Dr. Thanasi Loukas are highly-skilled restorative and cosmetic dentists serving the Park Ridge and surrounding Chicago communities. To schedule an appointment, call Loukas General Dentistry today at (847) 696-1919.