Because oral bacteria are present in every grin, it is only natural that concerns such as decay, infection, and tooth loss are something to keep in the forefront of your mind. Indeed, having an understanding that excellent oral health care is a necessity is one thing, but actually putting that theory into practice is another. The correct balance of brushing and flossing at home, attending routine checkups, and paying mind to your diet plays a major role in accomplishing a lifelong smile, but falling short of any of the steps can result in the concerns listed above. In today’s blog, your Overland Park, KS dentist will address what happens when you are not on top of your preventive care and how it may result in the need to extract a tooth.
Preserving Your Oral Health
A number of oral health concerns tend to arise from damage caused by harmful bacteria. In fact, oral bacteria are the force behind issues such as decay, periodontal disease, and more. They thrive in warm, moist environments such as the gums, and are able to sustain themselves by feeding off of the food particles left behind from meals and sugars contained in treats you ingest.
When Restorations Fail
If allowed to persist, oral bacteria will begin to secrete harmful acids that weaken and ultimately break down the natural structure that comprises your tooth. This can result in the formation of a small hole, or cavity, that will continue to grow in size if it is not addressed. To combat this, your dentist may recommend a restorative procedure such as a composite resin filling to reinforce the affected area. The problem arises, however, when decay has spread past a certain point and renders a restoration insufficient, causing it to fail. The unfortunate truth is that this pattern can continue until there is not enough healthy structure remaining to support any restoration, resulting in the need for a removal.
Future Tooth Loss
In addition to being unable to restore a tooth, an infection can become so great that it affects surrounding structures as well. By the time you wait for a tooth to fall out on its own due to damage, the infection and oral bacteria will have spread to surrounding teeth, causing them to become compromised as well. To best avoid losing multiple teeth, your dentist will recommend considering an extraction to mitigate the damage done. For more information, contact our team today.
Come to Our Office
While it I certainly nobody’s first choice, tooth extraction may be needed to best take care of your overall oral health. Contact Family First Dental in Overland Park, KS by calling 913-381-2600 to learn more about the process or to schedule your appointment today.