Can teeth be extracted in cases of apical periodontitis?

Generally, apical periodontitis refers to inflammation of the tissues surrounding the tooth's root apex, usually caused by pulp infection. Whether tooth extraction is appropriate for apical periodontitis depends on the specific condition of the disease. If discomfort occurs, prompt medical consultation is recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:

When the condition is mild, tooth extraction is generally not recommended. This situation typically involves mild inflammation around the root apex, minimal tooth mobility, and no severe root resorption. By performing treatments such as root canal therapy to remove infected tissue and eliminate inflammation, the tooth can be preserved and continue to function normally in chewing. Retaining the natural tooth helps maintain normal occlusion and prevents subsequent issues like adjacent teeth shifting.

In severe cases, tooth extraction may be necessary. When the inflammation is extensive, tooth mobility is significant, root resorption is severe, or the infection cannot be controlled despite multiple treatments—especially if complications such as jawbone infection have developed—extraction may be advised by the dentist after evaluation to prevent the spread of infection and protect overall oral health. After extraction, missing teeth can be replaced with options such as dental implants.

Regarding precautions, extraction should be performed only after the inflammation has been preliminarily controlled. Extracting a tooth during an acute inflammatory phase may lead to spreading infection. Postoperative care should follow medical instructions strictly, including proper oral hygiene, taking prescribed medications on time, and attending regular follow-up visits. Patients with systemic diseases should inform their dentist beforehand so that the dentist can assess whether extraction is safe, ensuring a secure treatment process.