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There are two different types of tooth extraction, referred to as simple extractions and surgical extraction. When teeth no longer have a functional place in your mouth or are damaged beyond repair, our dentists may recommend that you have them removed for your comfort and health.

What are the Indications for Tooth Removal?

Wisdom Teeth

One of the most common reasons for surgical extraction is for wisdom teeth removal. Wisdom teeth will need to be surgically removed if they are impacted or are improperly positioned to be able to erupt or function properly. It used to be thought that wisdom teeth need to be extracted so that your teeth will not crowd, shift, or cause orthodontic work to relapse.

But, after decades of observing patients who have had wisdom teeth extracted and still have teeth shift, crowd, and orthodontic work relapse, research now shows that the same tendency exists whether the wisdom teeth are extracted or not.

Wisdom teeth should be extracted if there is not room for them to erupt properly because patients who have impacted wisdom teeth can develop cysts, abscesses, decay, or even cancer around their impacted wisdom teeth. It is best to have wisdom teeth extracted as soon as it can be determined that there is no room for them to erupt. It is best if there is some but not all of the root development completed.

Research shows that patients do best when they have their wisdom teeth extracted before age 25. Next best is between 25-30 years of age. Over age 30, the risk to reward ratio of prophylactically removing impacted wisdom teeth is not as good.

It is not true that every time a wisdom tooth that is impacted is left in the jaw that there will be a problem. But the problems with extracting them later in life are much worse, more serious and happen often enough that it is better to have them extracted when you are younger. Then you are healthier, you heal better, the bone is less hard and dense, and there is more space around the teeth.

Trauma

If you have experienced trauma to the teeth that have resulted in a tooth that is broken beyond repair, our dentists may feel that a veneer or crown will not provide a healthy permanent fix. After removal, you will want to ease any discomfort with ice and sooth the area with a salt water rinse.

Decay, Periodontal Disease, and Infection

If you have a progressive degree of gum disease or infection, our dentists may feel that you need to remove the tooth altogether in order to restore your oral health. In most cases of decay and disease, the tooth can be repaired with a crown, filling, or root canal. However, if the decay is extensive your dentist may see removal to be the best option.

Crowding

Extraction due to crowding is most common in early adolescence when braces and other forms of orthodontic work are done the most. Our dentists may suggest that you have certain extra teeth removed in order to make orthodontic work more effective and may even shorten the time braces or retainers need to be worn.

Our Dentists Can Determine What’s Best For You

If you have a tooth that is bothering you or are curious about any of our dental services, contact our dentists in Grand Rapids, Grand Haven, or Comstock Park, MI, today. Schedule an appointment online or call one of our MI Smiles Dental locations!