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Besides routine dental checkups and cleanings, which are necessary for keeping your smile clean and healthy, most dental treatments are designed to address a specific concern. For treatments that are made for specific tooth problems, such as structural damage or progressive decay, the best way to avoid them is to prevent the specific concern from developing. The same is true for tooth extraction. While the procedure isn’t a routine treatment for any specific dental concern, it can become necessary when a variety of oral health problems become severe enough. Today, we examine why tooth extraction can sometimes be necessary, and how you can improve your chances of avoiding ever having to have a tooth extracted.

Understand why it’s necessary

Before you need tooth extraction, the most important thing to remember is that it’s most often preventable. Many of the conditions that might call for extracting a tooth include problems that are otherwise preventable, or highly treatable. These may include an extreme case of decay in the tooth’s structure and inner chambers, or severe damage to the tooth’s structure that can’t be repaired. If you understand many of the problems that can lead to tooth extraction, you’ll have a better chance of preventing them or identifying them early if they do develop.

Treat your tooth concern as soon as possible

Some concerns that lead to tooth extraction are more preventable than others. For instance, many people have to have a tooth extracted because severe gum has already eroded most of its supported structures. However, gum disease, as well as other tooth problems like damage and decay, can be successfully treated if treatment is sought early. Improve your chances of preserving your smile by addressing any existing oral health concerns as soon as possible, even if they don’t seem directly related to your tooth structure.

Prevent problems from developing in the first place

When you detect and address an oral health problem early, you have a better chance of stopping it from causing enough damage to make tooth extraction necessary. However, an even more effective strategy is to prevent the problems that lead to tooth extraction from developing in the first place. This means remaining consistent in your dental hygiene practices every day, and visiting your dentist as often as recommended for routine checkup and cleaning appointments.

Learn how you might avoid tooth extraction

The best way to avoid tooth extraction is to prevent problems that can lead to it, or address them before extracting the tooth becomes necessary. To learn more, or to schedule a consultation, call Cedar Dental in Cedar Rapids, IA, today at (319) 364-7108.