Tooth Extractions

Sometimes, a dentist may recommend tooth extraction or even emergency tooth extraction. These situations usually involve severe tooth decay, infection, overcrowding, or impacted wisdom teeth. However, the decision to extract a tooth is not always clear-cut and may depend on several factors affecting the patient, including their oral health status. The dentists of Westwyn Dental LLC in Berwyn, Illinois, often suggest tooth extractions depending on one’s needs. If you want to learn more about tooth extractions, we invite you to ask our team questions about this and other services available at our state-of-the-art dental practice.

• Tooth decay. One of the main reasons for having a dental extraction is due to extensive tooth decay or damage. This occurs when there is significant erosion of the enamel or when a large portion of the tooth structure has been destroyed. If the decay is too severe, saving the tooth through other procedures, such as fillings or root canal therapy, may not be possible. In such situations, dental extraction may be recommended to prevent further damage and preserve the health of surrounding teeth.
• Infections. Dental abscesses are serious infections that can occur in the mouth, often due to advanced tooth decay or gum disease. For some, the infection might become so severe that it cannot be treated with antibiotics or root canal therapy alone. In these situations, the affected tooth might need to be removed to prevent further spread of infection and protect the patient’s overall health.
• Overcrowding. Sometimes, our dentists recommend dental extraction as part of orthodontic treatment. This is necessary when there is not enough space in the mouth for all of the teeth to fit properly. Removing one or more teeth allows for proper alignment and positioning of the remaining teeth, resulting in a straighter smile.

Impacted wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth are the third molars that usually emerge in the late teen or early adult years. Because they are the last to erupt, there is often not enough room for them to erupt, causing impaction. This is when our dentists might suggest wisdom teeth removal.