Do you Require a Tooth Extraction?

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Keeping your teeth strong and healthy helps you keep your smile for a lifetime. However, sometimes unfortunate conditions or traumas result in losing teeth. In some cases (such as periodontal disease or facial injury) your teeth may fall out or get knocked out. Other times, Des Moines dentist, Dr. Stephen Burds may have to remove a tooth in order to save the rest of your mouth.

Common Extraction Causes

Here are the most common reasons for tooth removal:

  • Dental Damage: The most common reason for a tooth removal is when a tooth is too badly damaged to be repaired. Severe decay can destroy your tooth and begin to affect your nerves and the surrounding teeth. Dr. Burds may remove the infected tooth to prevent spreading infection throughout your mouth. Additionally, if a tooth is broken and cannot be restored, removing the tooth will prevent further dental complications.
  • Over-Crowding: In preparation for orthodontic treatments or implant placement, Dr. Burds may need to remove a tooth so your other teeth have room to shift into place. Furthermore, if a tooth is impacted under your gumline because there is not enough room to grow in, we may recommend pulling the tooth or those teeth blocking proper development. This is often the case in wisdom tooth extractions.
  •  Periodontal Disease: Gum disease deteriorates the bones and infects the tissues that support your teeth. When your bones weaken, your teeth will loosen and eventually fall out. Dr. Burds may extract the loose tooth to prevent further infection and the emotional trauma associated with teeth falling out.

Importance of Tooth Replacement

Keep in mind that losing a tooth will leave an open gap in your smile, allowing other teeth to shift into the empty space and create difficulties eating and speaking. Fortunately, if you need to have a tooth extracted, Dr. Burds can replace it with an implant or replacement tooth to restore functionality and full appearance to your smile.

Visit your Des Moines Dentist

Dr. Burds will do everything he can to save your teeth and your smile, but sometimes a tooth extraction is necessary to keep your mouth and body safe. If you need a tooth extracted to save the rest of your smile, contact Gateway Dental Group in Des Moines, Iowa, at (515) 244-9565. We welcome patients from River Bend, Kirkwood Glen, East Village, and neighboring communities.