Dental damage is a problem that can impact just about anybody and is one that can be very devastating if not properly managed. Therefore, it is critical to take steps to manage this problem and restore a person's teeth to proper health. Unfortunately, dental extractions may be the only choice in many situations, albeit one that may help to save the rest of a person's teeth.

1. Dental Damage Can Be Devastating

The dangers of dental damage can be quite potent when they aren't properly managed or prepared for by a person. For example, decay throughout the teeth can start quite small—often as small as one tiny chip—and spread rampantly in a way that affects a person's whole mouth. This type of damage can be hard to fully prepare for because it can happen slowly and without any symptoms.

And when this happens, a person may suddenly find that they have mouth-wide decay that affects many of their teeth. Or they may have very persistent and destructive decay in one tooth that makes it very weak and potentially very painful. When this happens, a person will likely need dental extractions to avoid any unnecessary pain and suffering in their life.

2. When Extraction is Necessary

Dental extractions are typically necessary when decay has taken over one or more teeth in the mouth and threatens to cause more dental problems. For example, if a tooth is rotten down to its nerve, the bacterial damage may spread into the gums and even into the bloodstream. At this point, a person's overall dental and physical health could be greatly compromised without protection.

Typically, dentists focus on removing as few teeth as possible to minimize a person's surgical time. For example, they'll start by identifying the most damaged teeth and take steps to remove them in a careful and controlled manner. Once they have gotten those teeth out of the mouth, they can perform other steps to protect the rest of a person's oral health, such as repairing cavities and gum tissue damage.

Thankfully, there are also replacement steps that a dentist can take to restore a person's smile to its normal state. These steps include inserting a bridge or even an implant in spots where teeth have been removed, keeping a person's smile as strong as possible for years to come. 

If you think you need dental extractions, contact a local dentist to learn more.