Albertville, AL
Tooth loss becomes increasingly common as you age. According to research, adults between the ages of 35-44 have lost at least one tooth, and more than one quarter of older adults between ages 65-74 have no teeth at all. While tooth loss is common, it doesn’t have to be your endgame. Today on our newest blog, family dentists in Albertville at Wall Street Dentistry share insight as to when you might need to get a tooth pulled and how to avoid it.
There are several main contributing factors as to why a tooth needs to be pulled. Dentists typically recommend pulling a tooth as a last resort or if a patient elects not to repair the damage due to cost or other factors. Here are the main reasons someone may need to get a tooth pulled.
Tooth decay
Tooth decay or cavities is an infection in the tooth that develops due to poor oral hygiene. However, certain medications, medical conditions, and hormone fluctuations can make it difficult to maintain proper pH in the mouth and therefore increase the risk of cavities. But tooth decay that develops in young, healthy individuals is likely due to not taking care of their teeth. However, there are treatments available to repair cavities including fillings, crowns, and root canals. But if the decay is too significant or the patient is not willing to commit to repairs, the tooth must be pulled.
Gum disease
Gum disease is also an active oral infection that directly impacts the gum tissue and surrounding jawbone. This oral infection also develops due to lack of proper brushing and flossing. Surprisingly, more than half of adults in the U.S. have some form of gum disease. It can be stopped, but its damage cannot be reversed. If not properly treated and maintained, gum disease eventually erodes the gum tissue, periodontal ligaments that hold teeth into their sockets, and the jawbone, which results in loose, wiggly teeth that must be pulled.
Injury
An injury to the face is another common reason to get a tooth pulled. If you suffer a mouth or facial injury that knocks out a tooth, it may be possible to save it by placing it back in the socket and getting a root canal, although in most cases, an avulsed or knocked out tooth cannot be repaired, resulting in tooth loss. The good news is that wearing a sports guard can help prevent these instances, although some facial injuries happen unexpectedly when you wouldn’t be wearing a sports guard.
Wear and tear
Teeth wear down as we age, but some conditions like bruxism can wear down teeth much faster than the normal rate. Bruxism is when you clench and grind your teeth while sleeping. Since it happens while you’re asleep, you may not realize that you have bruxism. If you notice that your teeth feel sore or achy when you wake up or have headaches in the morning, you might be grinding your teeth at night. Ask your dentist to examine the chewing surfaces of your teeth, which may show signs of wear that is caused by bruxism. If you have this condition, we can make you a night guard that you can wear while sleeping that absorbs the force and trauma exerted when clenching and grinding your teeth. Left untreated and unprevented, bruxism could result in breaking teeth or wearing them down to tiny nubs that are unable to be repaired. Bruxism could eventually lead to tooth loss.
Damaged tooth
Sometimes, no matter how well you care for your teeth, one unexpectedly breaks or splits while eating. Teeth that have large, old fillings are more susceptible to splitting, although sometimes a tooth breaks or splits out of nowhere. Sometimes, a crown may help restore the tooth. However, if more than half of the tooth breaks off or the tooth’s root is split, the dentist may recommend an extraction.
Wisdom teeth removal
Wisdom teeth removal is common and typically recommended between the ages of 16 and 25 or before these third molars erupt. Wisdom teeth are often impacted (grow sideways under the gums) or can only partially erupt because there is not enough room in the mouth to accommodate them without causing the other teeth to shift or become crooked. The dentist can determine if your wisdom teeth will become impacted or only partially erupt by taking x-rays at your checkup. If you do not have enough room in your mouth for your wisdom teeth or they appear to be growing sideways and will become impacted, the dentist will recommend pulling them.
How to prevent tooth loss
One of the best ways to prevent tooth loss is commit to daily oral hygiene habits like brushing and flossing your teeth. Preventing cavities and gum disease is single-handedly one of the best ways to avoid having a tooth pulled. You should also wear a sports guard if you play sports or a night guard if you have bruxism. However, accidents can still happen. Depending on the condition of the tooth, treatments may be available to restore or rebuild the tooth and save it from extraction. However, if you are not willing to take care of your teeth with daily oral hygiene or are not willing or able to fix a tooth that is damaged, an extraction may be your only option.
Get a tooth pulled in Albertville, Alabama
If you need to get a tooth pulled and are apprehensive about this procedure, ask about sedation dentistry. Sedation dentistry helps patients remain calm and relaxed during their procedure. Learn more by contacting Wall Street Dentistry at (256) 878-0525.