Your dentist may determine that you need a tooth extraction for any number of reasons. Some teeth are extracted because they are severely decayed; others may have advanced periodontal disease or have broken in a way that cannot be repaired. Other teeth may need removal because they are poorly positioned in the mouth (such as impacted teeth), or in preparation for orthodontic treatment. The removal of a single tooth can lead to problems related to your chewing ability, problems with your jaw joint, and shifting teeth, which can have a major impact on your dental health.
To avoid these complications, in most cases, Dr. Fox or Dr. Whitlow will discuss alternatives to extractions as well as replacement of the extracted tooth.
The third molars are commonly referred to as wisdom teeth. . Nearly 9 in 10 people will need to have at least one wisdom tooth removed in their lifetime. But if that time comes for you, Dr. Fox and Dr. Whitlow have your back.
Often, there is not enough room in the jaw for all four wisdom teeth. These extra molars are also prone to growing in on an angle or becoming impacted. If they are causing you pain and discomfort, it’s important to have them removed before they cause more serious pain or an infection. Left untreated, the extra teeth can overcrowd the jaw, causing your existing teeth to shift, or even crack – not to mention the general discomfort you’ll feel while they erupt. If wisdom teeth grow in as normal, they may still need to be removed as their position all the way in the back of the mouth makes them difficult to clean and prone to infection.