Tooth Extraction: When It's Necessary (And When It’s Not)

When it comes to your dental health, the goal is always to preserve your natural teeth for as long as possible. However, there are times when a tooth extraction becomes the best option to protect your overall oral health. Understanding when extraction is necessary and when it can be avoided can help you make informed decisions about your care.

When Tooth Extraction Is Necessary

There are several situations where tooth extraction in West Covina might be the most beneficial choice:

•           Severe Decay or Damage: When a tooth is too badly decayed or fractured to be repaired with a filling or crown, extraction may be necessary to prevent infection from spreading to surrounding teeth or the jawbone.

•           Advanced Gum Disease: Periodontal disease can weaken the bone and tissues that support your teeth. If a tooth becomes too loose due to bone loss, removal might be the only solution.

•           Impacted Wisdom Teeth: Wisdom teeth that don’t have enough room to erupt properly can cause pain, infection, or crowding. Extracting them early can prevent these complications.

•           Overcrowding or Orthodontic Preparation: Sometimes, removing a tooth is recommended before orthodontic treatment to make room for proper alignment.

•           Infection or Abscess: If a tooth infection doesn’t respond to root canal therapy or antibiotics, extraction might be the safest way to stop the spread of infection.

When Tooth Extraction May Not Be Needed

In many cases, a tooth that seems beyond repair can actually be saved with the right treatment. Before recommending removal, your dentist in West Covina will evaluate every possible restorative option, such as:

•           Root Canal Therapy: Treats deep decay or infection while preserving the tooth’s structure.

•           Dental Crowns: Reinforces a weakened tooth and restores its function and appearance.

•           Gum Disease Treatment: Scaling, root planing, or laser therapy can help save teeth affected by gum disease.

Preserving natural teeth is always the preferred approach, as they help maintain proper bite alignment, bone health, and overall comfort.

What to Expect During a Tooth Extraction

If an extraction is the best option, your comfort and safety are the top priorities. The process typically involves:

•           Local Anesthesia: Numbing the area to ensure a pain-free experience.

•           Tooth Removal: Depending on the type of extraction, your dentist will either gently loosen and remove the tooth or make a small incision to remove it surgically.

•           Aftercare Guidance: You’ll receive detailed instructions on how to care for the area, manage swelling, and prevent infection as you heal.

For many patients, recovery takes just a few days, and discomfort can be easily managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.

Restore Your Oral Health With Expert Dental Care

Tooth extraction can sometimes be the key to restoring your oral health - but it isn’t always the only option. At Apex Implant Center & Dentistry, we take a conservative approach to care, exploring every possibility to save your natural teeth before recommending extraction. When removal is necessary, we ensure the process is comfortable and that you have the right plan for replacement, such as implants or bridges.
 

Schedule a consultation with Apex Implant Center & Dentistry to find out if tooth extraction is right for you. Visit our office in West Covina, California. Call (626) 671-5800  today.