Do you ever wonder why, with all the dental technology today, you may still need to have a tooth extracted? Sometimes to maintain good dental and overall health, extraction is the treatment of choice. If tooth decay reaches into the pulp of the tooth, the bacteria causing the decay may also cause infection. The pulp of the tooth is like your heart; it supervises nutrient and blood flow and is composed of nerves and arteries. If the pulp becomes infected the infection can spread throughout your body. If you are already ill, undergoing chemotherapy, or have some other chronic ailment, this can exacerbate your condition. If you are experiencing symptoms associated with tooth infection contact your Park Ridge dentists, Dr. Thanasi Loukas and Dr. Maria Loukas. Dedicated to offering the best care for your entire family, they will schedule an evaluation and discuss your treatment options.
Why Extraction?
The most common reason for tooth extraction is tooth decay. If the pulp of the tooth becomes infected the tooth may die, or the infection may spread throughout the mouth, putting other teeth and your oral health in danger. Other reasons for extraction include:
Malocclusion: Malocclusion is when the upper and lower jaws are misaligned causing tooth crowding or abnormal eruptions of the teeth. In this case a tooth might need to be removed to make room for the other teeth.
Wisdom Teeth: Impacted wisdom teeth or wisdom teeth that are erupting in an abnormal manner are one of the most common reasons for tooth extraction.
Trauma: A car, sporting, or other type of accident may require tooth removal.
Root Canal: Root canal therapy is common treatment to save a tooth, but when infection develops and antibiotic treatment fails, extraction may be necessary.
Periodontal Disease: Periodontal disease is infection of the gum tissue around the teeth which spreads into the jaw bone. The bacterial infection eats away at the jaw bone resulting in tooth loss and/or extraction.
Symptoms Of Infection
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of dental infection, contact your dentist immediately. Some of the most common symptoms include:
· Toothache
· Gingival swelling around the tooth
· Pain when chewing or biting down
· Sensitivity to hot and cold foods and beverages
· Offensive tasting discharge
· Bad breath
About Loukas General Dentistry
Dr. Thanasi Loukas and Dr. Maria Loukas provide stellar general, cosmetic, and restorative dental care with the latest technologies. Loukas General Dentistry serves Park Ridge and the surrounding Chicago communities. To schedule a consultation, call Loukas Family Dentistry at (847) 696-1919.
Can I replace an extracted tooth?
We have a number of options for replacing extracted teeth, including dental implants.