When Is A Tooth Extraction Necessary?

When it comes to discussing dental procedures, one specific procedure often comes immediately to mind: tooth extractions. While dentists from all over the world have advised that basic everyday caring for the teeth is important, it is inevitable that some teeth have to come out at some point.

An impacted wisdom tooth may need to be removed if it causes pain or crowding in the teeth. Impacted wisdom teeth are those that don’t completely break out of the gum, or are only partially able to break through. Impacted wisdom teeth are fairly common among people; some have no problems with them at all, while others encounter pain enough to have to go to the dentist.

Don't Try Tooth Extractions at Home

The Internet is rife with videos of do-it-yourself tooth extractions. While they make for a prize-winning entry in contests or shows, the risks they carry are neither funny nor creative.

A loose tooth doesn't always mean it can be taken out with ease. With an abscess, the swelling around the tooth root may make the tooth loose, but it won't be taken out with a good pull. Any abscess at the base has root canal written all over it, which rarely includes tooth extraction. On top of that, a failed extraction sharply increases the risk for infection.

Getting Enough Fluoride for Your Teeth

New York City added fluoride to its water in 1964, around 1.0 ppm. This means a liter of drinking water contains at least 1 mg of fluoride, the adequate daily intake for children 4 to 8 years old.

Drinking fluoridated water is a type of systemic fluoridation, where fluoride makes its way into the system. Although fluoride is often associated with dental health, virtually any type of bone can benefit from it, but in trace amounts. As a result, precious fluoride that could have benefitted teeth is diverted to other bone structures in the body. This means you have to get your fluoride directly on your pearly whites to make the most out of its benefits.