Tooth Extraction: When Should It Be the Treatment of Choice?

Saving natural teeth is always the priority in dental practice, but there are situations where tooth extraction becomes the recommended treatment option. Most of us feel disappointed whenever tooth extraction is presented as the only option.

This disappointment often stems from doing everything possible to avoid losing a tooth. However, even with the best dental care, problems leading to tooth loss can still occur.

Permanent teeth are naturally meant to last a lifetime. However, there are instances when extraction becomes necessary. Here are some examples of situations where extraction may be the best course of action:

Irreparable Tooth Damage Due to Severe Decay
In many cases, tooth decay and cavities can be addressed through simple fillings or root canal treatment if caught early. However, if left unattended, these problems can worsen, damaging the tooth beyond repair. At this point, extraction may be the only option to prevent further complications.

At Supreme Smiles Avenue Dental, our dentists will examine your tooth and recommend the best treatment, whether it’s a root canal or extraction. We ensure a safe, comfortable, and pain-free procedure to suit your needs.

A Solution for Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease affects the gums, alveolar bone, and other structures supporting the teeth. Early-stage periodontal disease, known as gingivitis, can escalate into more severe conditions if left untreated, leading to tooth loss.

Caused by bacteria in dental plaque, regular brushing and dental visits can prevent periodontal disease. At Supreme Smiles Avenue Dental, we offer advanced periodontal treatments that restore gum health and prevent future issues. In severe cases, extraction may be necessary to manage the disease.

Extracting an Impacted Tooth
An impacted tooth is one that fails to emerge in its normal position, often affecting wisdom teeth. Extraction may be necessary to prevent damage to adjacent teeth and reduce the risk of infection or overcrowding.

At Supreme Smiles Avenue Dental, we provide thorough examinations before recommending extraction to ensure the best treatment for impacted teeth.

Eliminating Teeth Overcrowding
In cases of overcrowding, extraction may be necessary to create space for teeth to align properly, especially before orthodontic treatment. If there isn’t enough room for the teeth to move, extraction is often the best option.

An orthodontist will assess the crowding and recommend extraction if needed to achieve optimal alignment.

Post-Accident Extraction
After accidents, the primary goal is always to save the teeth. However, in cases of severe dental trauma where teeth cannot be repaired, extraction may be required. At Supreme Smiles Avenue Dental, we strive to preserve natural teeth, offering emergency dental care to minimise tooth loss after accidents.

Conclusion
If you are experiencing any of the above problems, tooth extraction may be a last-resort solution. Dentists will usually try other options first. Before an extraction, diagnostic procedures like x-rays are performed, and post-extraction care is essential for a full recovery.

At Supreme Smiles Avenue Dental, we offer a range of dental procedures, including extractions and implants, to help restore oral health. If you’re looking for expert care in Nairobi, visit our clinic today.

Dr. Sibuti Riro is a consultant periodontist at Supreme Smiles Avenue Dental Centre, located in Kilimani along Tigoni Road, opposite Naivas Kilimani entrance. Contact him via 0721568972.