Do grown up teeth fall out or do you have to pull them out?

Adult teeth do not fall out naturally like baby teeth do. They are designed to last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance. However, there are certain circumstances in which adult teeth may need to be extracted or pulled out:

1. Severe Decay: If a tooth is extensively damaged by decay and cannot be restored through fillings, root canals, or other treatments, extraction may be necessary to prevent the infection from spreading.

2. Gum Disease: Advanced gum disease, known as periodontitis, can cause the gums to recede and the supporting bone to deteriorate, leading to loose teeth. In severe cases, affected teeth may need to be extracted.

3. Trauma or Injury: If a tooth is fractured, broken, or knocked out due to an accident or injury, extraction may be required depending on the extent of damage.

4. Orthodontic Treatment: In some cases, orthodontic treatment to correct severe overcrowding or misalignment of teeth may require the extraction of one or more teeth to create space for proper alignment.

5. Impacted Teeth: Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, can become impacted when they do not erupt properly and remain trapped within the jawbone. This can cause pain, infection, and damage to adjacent teeth, often necessitating extraction.

6. Failed Root Canal: In some cases, a root canal treatment may fail to resolve the infection or alleviate the pain in a tooth. If the infection persists or the tooth becomes severely damaged, extraction may be necessary.

7. Infection or Abscess: A dental abscess is a collection of pus that forms around the root of a tooth due to severe infection. If the infection cannot be controlled or treated, extraction of the affected tooth may be required to prevent the spread of infection.

It's important to note that extracting a tooth is considered a last resort when other treatment options have failed or are not feasible. Dentists and oral surgeons carefully evaluate the condition of the tooth and consider various factors before recommending extraction.