When Does a Tooth Need to Be Extracted?

Your teeth are designed to last a lifetime, but sometimes an extraction is the best choice for your overall oral health. At Bellflower Oral Facial Surgery & Dental Implant Center, we prioritize saving teeth whenever possible, but there are certain situations where removal is the healthiest solution. Left untreated, severe infections can spread not only to surrounding teeth but also into the jawbone and neck, posing risks to both your oral and overall health. Understanding when a tooth needs to be extracted can help you make informed decisions and protect your long-term smile.
 

Severe Tooth Decay or Infection

When decay reaches deep into the pulp of a tooth and root canal therapy is not enough to restore it, extraction may be necessary. Likewise, if an infection threatens to spread to surrounding teeth or the jawbone, removing the tooth helps protect your overall oral health.
 

Advanced Gum Disease

Periodontal (gum) disease weakens the tissues and bone that support your teeth. If these structures are damaged beyond repair, affected teeth may become loose and require removal.
 

Impacted Teeth

Wisdom teeth are the most common teeth to become impacted, meaning they are trapped beneath the gumline or grow in at an angle. Impacted teeth can cause pain, crowding, and infections, making extraction the recommended course of action. In addition, impaction often causes damage to adjacent teeth, wearing away enamel or increasing the risk of decay in neighboring teeth if not treated.
 

Overcrowding and Orthodontic Needs

Sometimes, a healthy tooth needs to be removed to make room for orthodontic treatment. Extracting a tooth can create the space necessary for proper alignment and bite correction. In some cases, removing one or more teeth allows braces or aligners to move the remaining teeth into their ideal positions more effectively, leading to a balanced bite and a healthier smile in the long run.
 

Trauma or Damage

Accidents, sports injuries, or severe fractures can damage a tooth beyond repair. In these cases, extraction may be the only option to prevent further complications such as infection or damage to the surrounding teeth. Once removed, the tooth can often be replaced with a dental implant or bridge, restoring both function and appearance while preventing long-term oral health issues.
 

Find Out If an Extraction Is Right for You

While tooth extraction is never the first choice, it can sometimes be the most effective way to safeguard your oral and overall health. We use advanced techniques to make extractions as comfortable and efficient as possible, while also offering solutions such as dental implants to restore your smile.
 

If you’re experiencing pain, infection, dental concerns, or think you may need a tooth extraction, schedule a consultation with Bellflower Oral Facial Surgery & Dental Implant Center today. We’ll evaluate your condition and recommend the best treatment plan for your long-term oral health. Visit our office in Bellflower, California, or call (562) 442-2300 to book an appointment.