12606 A Lake Ridge Drive

Woodbridge, VA 22192

(703) 491-2131

Reasons for Extracting a Tooth

Reasons for Extracting a Tooth

What your dentist in Woodbridge wants you to knowtooth extraction

Did you know that a decayed or infected tooth can affect the health of teeth around it? That’s because there are millions of harmful bacteria causing the decay and infection, and the bacteria can easily spread to adjacent tissue and teeth.

Sometimes a tooth can be saved through restoration or root canal therapy. In other instances, it’s best to have a tooth extracted to protect your smile. Severe decay or infection are just some of the reasons for extracting a tooth. Dr. Charles Sours Jr. in Woodbridge, VA, wants to share why you may need a tooth extracted.

There are many reasons you may need to have a tooth removed. If you are having orthodontic treatment, your orthodontist may recommend removing teeth that are crowding other teeth. You may not have room for all of your teeth, even with braces.

Other reasons for tooth extraction include teeth that are:

  • Severely decayed and cannot be restored with a conventional filling or crown
  • Severely painful even after root canal treatment
  • Crowding or pushing on other teeth, causing pain, disease and hygiene problems

Third molars, commonly known as wisdom teeth, are the most common tooth extraction procedure. Wisdom teeth are removed because:

  • They are erupting out of position, making them nonfunctional
  • You don’t have room for them and they are crowding your jaw
  • They are pushing on adjacent teeth, causing discomfort and swelling
  • They are surrounded by bone and won’t erupt

You may also need teeth extracted if you have periodontal disease. That’s because during the course of the disease, much of your supporting bone can be destroyed. Your teeth can become loose, making them nonfunctional. Extraction may also be recommended to limit the spread of bacteria and disease to your remaining teeth, bone and soft tissue.

If you’ve been told you may need to have teeth removed, don’t worry. Dental extractions have become state-of-the-art and there are many ways to replace extracted teeth including implants, bridges and dental appliances. You can achieve a healthy smile by removing disease. For more information about tooth extraction and how it can help your smile, call Dr. Sours Jr. in Woodbridge, VA. Call today!