Although your permanent teeth are intended to last a lifetime, things do happen that lead to adults needing an extraction. A dental extraction is the process of pulling a tooth due to extensive decay, a large fracture, or some other issue that has caused the tooth to die or be a source of severe pain.

Since tooth extraction is very serious, your dentist will try to think of alternative forms of treatment prior to offering an extraction for a dental problem you may be facing. First and foremost, they will check your tooth to see if it can be saved. If a cavity is to blame, they will try to use a filling to fix the problem or, if the problem has gotten too serious, they may need to perform root canal therapy.

If your tooth has broken or been fractured and a filling or dental bonding cannot be used to repair it, your dentist will likely suggest a tooth extraction to remove the problem tooth from your mouth. But what does this mean for you?

The biggest consideration when having a tooth extracted is what’s going to go in its place. A dental implant can be used to preserve the bone inside your jaw and prevent teeth from shifting or tilting into the new empty space, which can lead to bite alignment issues. Having something put in its place is important, and it’s something your dentist will want to discuss with you if you have decided that an extraction is the best route forward.

If you think you may need a tooth extraction in Murrells Inlet, schedule an appointment with our team to see what options you have available to you.