The decision to remove or repair a tooth is not one that you should make lightly, as there are many factors to consider and information to gather before deciding which is best for your situation. Dr. Tapaltsyan, our dentist in Berkeley, will talk you through the decision-making process to help you feel confident about your choice to have a tooth extracted.
If You’re in Severe Pain
Dental extractions remove your painful tooth, easing discomfort when time is of the essence. In addition, if the tooth is severely decayed or damaged, it may be best to remove it to prevent the spread of an infection. Same-day dental extractions are usually associated with dental emergencies, aggressive abscesses, or other scenarios where immediate pain relief is crucial.
Your Tooth is “Non-Restorable”
- If your tooth can’t be repaired, removing it may be best. Here are some reasons why:
If the tooth is severely decayed, there may not be enough healthy tooth left to support a filling or crown. - If the tooth has extensive root damage, a root canal may not be possible or may not be successful in the long run.
- Infection in the bone around the tooth can sometimes only be resolved by removing the tooth.
Dental Emergencies
If you have a dental emergency, it’s important to see our Berkeley dentist right away. In some cases, a dental extraction may be recommended. This is usually if your tooth is fractured, broken, or badly infected. Our dentist will want to make every effort to restore your tooth if possible, but traumatic injuries may prevent them from being able to do so.
Advanced Periodontal Disease
In cases of advanced periodontal disease, there is often severe bone loss around the teeth. This can make the teeth loose and some will even fall out on their own. In these cases, extracting the tooth is often the best solution. This measure stops the spread of infection and prevents further damage to adjacent teeth and remaining bone tissues.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth are often extracted because they can be difficult to clean and are more susceptible to decay. They can also crowd other teeth and cause pain. If your wisdom teeth are impacted (stuck under the gum), they may need to be removed to prevent infection or damage to other teeth. Wisdom tooth extractions are usually recommended early on, depending how they are positioned in the mouth.
Dental Extractions in Berkeley
If you’re considering having a tooth removed, reserve an exam with our dentist to discuss your options. We’ll help restore your smile back to an optimal level of health (and even offer permanent tooth replacement afterward!)