Most of us take excellent care of our teeth by brushing 2-3 times a day,
flossing before bed and eating right. Even when we’re diligent in our
oral care, the possibility of having a tooth extraction can still be a reality
we have to face. For some, it can be those pesky wisdom teeth that refuse
to line up with the rest of your teeth starting to cause problems. For others,
you may have cracked a tooth by biting down on something hard. Or even
neglected to have a large cavity filled in time. A dentist will do everything
they can to help save your teeth, but sometimes an extraction is unavoidable.

Wisdom teeth removal is one of the most common extractions people encounter.
Wisdom teeth can cause crowding, swelling, and even grow at an improper angle
because there isn’t enough room in the mouth for them. Removing them is a
measure taken to keep them from damaging other teeth.

Some of the additional reasons someone would need an extraction include gum
disease, tooth breakage or fracture and tooth decay (just to name a few). Tooth
decay is actually considered one of the most common reasons for extractions,
although it can take years for a cavity to progress to the point of being non-
restorable. Once a cavity wears through the enamel and reaches the inner portion
of the tooth, it starts to spread rapidly. It will infect the nerve of the tooth and
eat away at the remaining tooth structure. The longer the cavity is left untreated,
the more infection and destruction it causes. Proper brushing, flossing and eating
healthy are great ways to help you avoid a tooth extraction due to tooth decay.

Be sure to visit your dentist regularly for cleanings and check-ups. If you do have
a dental problem, make sure you have a plan to correct it as soon as possible.
Treatment in the early stages ensures a better dental outcome for you!