When a tooth is extracted, it is important to remove all of the tooth fragments to prevent infection and promote healing. However, in some cases, a small fragment of tooth may be left behind. This is usually not a problem, as the body will eventually absorb the fragment. However, if the fragment is large or if it is located in a sensitive area, it may cause pain or infection. In these cases, it may be necessary to have the fragment removed by a dentist.
There are a number of reasons why a dentist may leave a tooth fragment behind during an extraction. The tooth may be broken in such a way that it is difficult to remove all of the fragments. The dentist may also be concerned about damaging the surrounding tissue if they try to remove all of the fragments. In some cases, the dentist may decide to leave a small fragment behind if it is not causing any problems.