In almost every case the main goal of your dentist is to help you preserve as many of your teeth for as long as you can. But there are certain scenarios where having a tooth extracted may be the best possible outcome, or at least the best solution available in the circumstance. The good news is that a variety of treatments are available to restore your smile after an extraction. Learn more about extractions from your Anchorage, AK, professionals Dr. Timothy Lethin and Dr. Matthew Backs.
Braces
If you are having your teeth straightened with braces, as part of the procedure you may need to have a tooth extracted. This isn't something very common but in cases where overcrowding is a concern, especially with severe overcrowding or for patients born with extra teeth, an orthodontist may decide to extract a tooth for much better results once the procedure is complete.
Impacted Teeth
An impacted tooth is a tooth that has either failed to erupt past the gums or has only done so partially. This is a condition that is most often associated with wisdom teeth, in most situations, these have to be removed.
A partially erupted tooth can cause difficulty when cleaning your teeth as it creates hard-to-reach spaces that can hide plaque. Plaque can in turn become an infection and damage your teeth and gums.
An impacted tooth can also create severe pressure as it pushes itself against neighboring teeth, becoming very painful in the process.
If you attend your checkups on a regular basis your dentist may be able to spot an impacted wisdom tooth before it becomes a painful problem and extract it.
Injury and Decay
Injury or tooth decay can cause teeth to become so severely damaged that they must be extracted.
Teeth damaged by decay can often be saved with a root canal treatment if assessed early enough.
Extractions Anchorage, AK
Extracted teeth can often be restored by your dentist by using a bridge or a dental implant. Teeth removed for the sake of an orthodontic treatment and wisdom teeth typically don't have to be replaced. Preventive care can often save your smile, but as noted above, in certain circumstances an extraction may be necessary, even beneficial.
If you believe you may require extraction and live in or near Anchorage, AK, you can schedule a consultation with Dr. Lethin and Dr. Backs by dialing (907) 337-9474.