Extractions

There are a number of reasons why a tooth will have to be extracted. The number one reason for tooth loss is periodontal disease. Second, when a tooth is so badly destroyed by trauma or tooth decay that it can not be restored. Lastly, by personal choice. Once tooth decay reaches the nerve inside a tooth the infected nerve tissue has to be removed. This is done by either performing a root canal or by extracting the tooth. Generally a root canal would be performed because it is the only way to save the tooth once the nerve tissue has been involved. However, in these circumstances the option of extraction is also given.

Once a tooth is lost it should be replaced. The gold standard for replacing a tooth is with a dental implant. The other two options are a bridge or a denture.