The primary goal in dentistry is to preserve natural teeth whenever feasible, as they are essential for functions like chewing and for aesthetics, such as smiling. However, there are specific circumstances where a tooth extraction becomes the necessary course of action.
A tooth extraction is typically recommended when a tooth is severely compromised by extensive decay or infection to the point where restoration is not viable. This also applies if a proposed treatment has a poor or uncertain long-term prognosis. In such cases, investing significant resources into saving a tooth that is unlikely to last for a reasonable period may not be the most practical or beneficial option for the patient. Therefore, the decision to extract a tooth is made when its condition is too advanced for successful treatment or when the outlook for its longevity is very low.