All dental patients want a beautiful and healthy smile, but many may be surprised when the dentist at their family dental practice in the Silver Lake area of Everett, Washington, recommends a tooth extraction. There are a variety of reasons why tooth extractions may be necessary, and depending on the reason for the extraction, additional treatments to replace the extracted tooth may be needed. Continue reading to learn more about some of the most common reasons for tooth extractions.

Orthodontic Issues

One of the most common causes of tooth misalignment is crowding. In some cases, family dentistry treatments and orthodontic care are enough to correct the crowding. However, in cases of moderate to severe crowding, tooth extractions are often needed to alleviate the crowding and achieve a properly aligned bite.

Tooth Decay

If a tooth is severely decayed, it can become infected and put other structures of the mouth, including the gums and neighboring teeth, at risk. In addition, severe tooth decay can lead to pain that makes speaking, eating, and drinking hot or cold beverages difficult. In these cases, a tooth extraction may be recommended. After the decayed tooth is extracted, a dental implant or bridge may be used to replace it and restore the patient’s smile.

Mouth Injuries

Contact sports, car accidents and many other physical activities can lead to mouth injuries and chipped or cracked teeth. If you experience a tooth injury, schedule a dental checkup at your dental clinic as soon as possible. If your tooth cannot be saved, your family dentist may extract it to prevent pain, infection, and other complications.

Tooth Impaction

If a tooth is not able to fully erupt from the gums, it becomes impacted. Tooth impaction can be a painful condition that puts you at risk for infection, so your dentist is likely to recommend tooth extraction if this occurs. Wisdom tooth impaction is common, so these teeth are often removed to prevent infections, misalignment, and other oral health problems.