When you imagine a tooth extraction, you likely think about someone getting it to find relief from their dental pain. You aren’t entirely wrong, but what if one of yours needs to be removed despite having no discomfort? This can make you wonder why your dentist would recommend it. Keep reading to learn four reasons why you may need this procedure to preserve your oral health.
1.) Large Tooth Decay
If you had a cavity in the past, you might’ve gotten a filling or crown to treat it. Your dentist removed the decay and restored those parts with the respective treatment, giving you your bite back. However, if this condition progresses too much, then it can cause trouble for your tooth. It could have caused enough damage to the nerve (which stops any pain) and dental structure that it’s no longer salvageable. Instead, getting it removed might be best to protect your smile.
2.) Severe Infection
Similar to the point above, an infection inside your tooth can progress when it’s left untreated. In this dental problem, bacteria are attacking the inner pulp. This causes an intense toothache, but it can do enough harm that the nerve can’t send out signals anymore. While you may not be in any discomfort, it can make it easier for the infection to spread. Having it extracted can help keep your nearby teeth and gums safe.
3.) Crowding
If you are looking to get orthodontics done, then removing a tooth can help you get the results you want. This will help open space in your mouth to have enough room to allow your teeth to shift into healthier positions. However, not every person may need this. It just depends on your unique case, but your dentist will let you know what’s best for you.
4.) Advanced Gum Disease
While not necessarily a problem with your teeth, gum disease can call for an extraction or two. The pink soft tissues in your mouth are responsible for holding your smile in place and keeping it secure. If you have this condition, then your gums can recede and cause a tooth to become loose. Removing it can help avoid a painful loss in the future.
In the end, the best way to know why you need a tooth extracted is by talking with your dentist. They can do an examination and take X-rays to get a full picture of your mouth, so you can understand why you may need this treatment. They will then help you get back to a problem-free smile.
About the Practice
At Wolfe Dental Hillsboro, you benefit from a compassionate team of dentists who look after you and your grin. We understand how needing a tooth pulled may not be the most desirable, but we are here to make it as comfortable as possible for you with state-of-the-art techniques and conscious sedation. If you want to learn more about how we can make this treatment easier for you, schedule an appointment or call our office at (503) 844-6550.