Despite some of our best efforts, sometimes pulling teeth cannot be avoided.  Some reasons that teeth must be pulled are:  severe decay, advanced periodontal disease, infection, impacted teeth, and fractured teeth/roots.  Sometimes teeth are pulled to help with orthodontic correction. Understanding why we pull teeth in these situations is important.  Even more important is understanding what you can do to avoid having to have your teeth extracted. Together, we will work to keep your mouth (and body) healthy and happy.

Why Do We Do Extractions (Tooth Removal)?

There are, basically, two reasons why teeth are pulled rather than saved.  One, the physical health of the tooth has been too compromised to stay in your mouth, or two, a patient doesn’t have the financial resources for treatment to save an infected tooth and opts to have it pulled.  At Mountain Aire Dentistry, we do all we can to help you–both physically and financially–to avoid having a tooth pulled. Even baby (primary) teeth serve important roles. Primary teeth are essential in maintaining the correct spacing in your child’s jaw for the permanent teeth.  If a primary molar is removed prematurely, a space maintainer will be placed.  Sometimes healthy, adult teeth are removed for orthodontic reasons to help facilitate tooth alignment when crowded teeth are present.  

When Extractions Can’t Be Avoided

Root canal procedures allow us to save your tooth, but sometimes even a root canal can’t rescue it from severe decay or damage. Here are some instances when a root canal is not an option:

• Your tooth’s nerve has died (or is dying) due to decay or injury. This is the most common reason that teeth are extracted.

• An abscess is present. Tooth infections, commonly referred to as a dental abscess, can be very dangerous and must be addressed immediately. We first work to find the source–whether it is in your gum or in your tooth itself. If the abscess is in your tooth,  you may lose the tooth, but we do all we can to save it! (Dental abscess symptoms involve an inability to chew without pain and acute pain even when you touch the tooth.

• Wisdom teeth complications. Wisdom teeth are often pulled to prevent problems they are known to create.  They are also pulled when they are currently causing a patient discomfort,  infection is present or they are in danger of hurting the second molar in front. 

• Severe decay.  Teeth that have extreme decay well below the gumline may need to be pulled.

• Periodontal disease.  If you have severe gum disease, it can cause really loose teeth. Usually when teeth have become really loose, they are too late to save; they won’t benefit from gum treatment.  Avoid this scenario by visiting our office regularly for check-ups and practicing good oral hygiene habits. 

• Failed root canal treatment.  Instead of trying to do a re-root canal treatment, when there are low chances of improvement, sometimes extraction will be recommended.

• Orthodontic treatment. If there is not enough space for all your teeth or a tooth is too far out of position.

• Baby teeth. Sometimes patients will ask Dr. Bockrath to help with the removal of a baby tooth that is barely hanging on to avoid choking or swallowing issues. In these instances, typically the parent needs assistance with extraction because the child won’t permit the parent to do it. If a baby tooth isn’t significantly loose, we prefer not to pull the tooth unless we can confirm on x-ray that there is an adult tooth ready to erupt right behind it.  If there is a choking hazard present, the tooth must be pulled. 

• Fractured roots/ fractured post crown. Where everything has been done to try and save your tooth without success, extraction is often the only alternative.

• Prior to major surgery.  In jaw surgery, sometimes teeth need to be removed if they present a risk for infection or are impeding the final results.

Signs that You May Need to Have a Tooth Pulled

If you are practicing good oral hygiene and having your regular check-ups and cleanings, chances are low that you are going to get into a situation where you will need to have a tooth pulled. But, accidents and trauma come unexpectedly and can cause unexpected results. Here are some signs to watch out for that indicate that you need to be evaluated:

• A swollen face.
• Acute pain that lasts for minutes or hours.
• Sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet substances/liquids.
• Localized pain when you touch a tooth.
• Waking up at night due to tooth pain.
• Pain that doesn’t respond to OTC painkillers
• Discomfort when chewing or biting
• A bad taste in your mouth

Don’t delay contacting us if any of these symptoms are present.  There is so much we can do to save a tooth if we are able to act fast. Pain is your body’s way of telling you that something needs to be addressed.  Don’t mask the symptoms with painkillers or ignore the situation.  Make an appointment!

Call for a Consultation

Preventing a tooth extraction may not be possible sometimes, but at Mountain Aire Dentistry, we do all we can to help preserve your smile and good oral health without having to remove a tooth.  Periodontal disease screenings are helpful for assessing the health of your mouth and gums.   A proactive approach to your health is the best way to avoid potential hazards and to live a more full, rich life.  Dr. Bockrath is highly skilled and trained to provide a variety of dental services. Our office is equipped with state-of-the-art technology to ensure you receive the best possible care. Mountain Aire Dentistry is in Broomfield, Colorado, with convenient access to the communities of Thornton, Broomfield, Northglenn and Westminster. Call for your appointment today at  (303) 731-7755. We look forward to meeting you and your family!