When Tooth Extraction is Necessary for Adults

Having a healthy set of teeth is critical for keeping your smile looking its best and ensuring you can enjoy the foods you love, but dental problems unfortunately don’t always go away on their own. As an adult, it can be difficult to know if a tooth extraction is necessary. In this blog post, we will explore what solutions are available for adults dealing with uncomfortable or unsightly tooth issues so that you feel equipped with the knowledge needed to maintain your dental hygiene and look forward to smiling confidently again.

Common Adult Dental Issues

Adults of all ages will face their own unique set of dental issues. Whether you’ve had a lifetime of proper upkeep or neglected your oral hygiene for years, it is important to understand what the most common dental problems are that adults experience. These include, but are not limited to:

• Cavities – Tooth decay caused by acids from bacteria eating away at enamel.
• Periodontal Disease – A gum infection that affects the gums and bone supporting the teeth.
• Chipped/Broken Teeth – Damage to a tooth due to trauma or grinding.
• Missing Teeth – Loss of a tooth due to decay, injury, or gum disease.

More than 1 in 4 adults in the United States have untreated tooth decay and nearly half (46%) of all adults aged 30 years or older show signs of gum disease.

Avoiding Tooth Extraction: What are My Options?

Fortunately, there are many solutions available today that make tooth extraction an option of last resort. Depending on your individual situation, the most common treatments to avoid extraction include:

• Fillings – Used to fill cavities and restore a tooth’s structure and strength.
• Root canal treatment – Used to save a tooth that has become infected by removing the damaged nerve and pulp tissue, followed by cleaning and sealing the interior of the tooth.
• Crowns – A cap made of porcelain or metal placed over a broken or decayed tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and improve its appearance.

These treatments can help to restore your smile, but they may not be available in every situation.  It is important to consult with your dentist to find the best solution for your needs. With the right care and a bit of dedication, you can be living with a healthy, beautiful smile again in no time.

When is Tooth Extraction Necessary?

In some cases, tooth extraction is the only option. Common scenarios in which extraction may be necessary include:

• Severe Tooth Decay – If a cavity is too large for a filling or a root canal cannot save the tooth.
• Advanced Periodontal Disease – When gum disease causes irreversible damage to the bone supporting your teeth. 
• Infection – If an infection has reached the root of a tooth, causing an abscess to form.
• Crowding – When teeth are too crowded or severely misaligned and cause other problems such as gum disease or decay.

Restorative Dentistry After an Extraction

If you have a tooth extracted, restorative dentistry options exist to replace the missing tooth. These include:

• Dental Implants – A titanium post that is surgically placed into the jawbone and acts as an artificial root for a crown or bridge.
• Bridges – Artificial replacement teeth secured between two abutment teeth (crowns). Dentures – Removable appliances that replace multiple missing teeth.

It can be daunting to face the prospect of a tooth extraction, but don’t worry — modern dentistry offers countless solutions to help you maintain and restore your smile. With the right care and dedication, you can confidently smile again with a healthy, beautiful smile.

If you’re facing tooth issues, don’t delay in talking to your dentist and exploring the best options for avoiding extraction. Your smile is worth it!

Make an Appointment with Stonebrook Family Dental

If you’re searching for an experienced, compassionate dental team to help you maintain a healthy smile and avoid tooth extraction, you can count on the professionals at Stonebrook Family Dental. We specialize in general, family and cosmetic dentistry services to ensure that your entire family has access to top-notch oral care. Contact us today!