Attending your dental appointments is essential to your oral health. Most of the time, they are routine checkups or taking care of a dental issue that needs to be addressed. However, there are certain circumstances where your dentist may tell you that you need to have a tooth extracted. You may find that shocking if you were not experiencing any pain in the tooth. Read on to learn four reasons a tooth needs to be removed even if it doesn’t hurt.
#1. Severe Tooth Decay
When a cavity goes untreated for a long period of time, it can cause a major infection of the inner tooth. Eventually, it can damage the nerve inside the tooth so severely that it no longer sends a painful signal to your brain. As time progresses, the infection can spread to the rest of your mouth…and even throughout your body! If the tooth is beyond saving, it will most likely have to be removed to protect your oral and physical health.
#2. Gum Disease
There are stages of gum disease. It initially starts out mild and grows worse over time. The infection of the soft tissues of your mouth can eventually reach your teeth, loosening them. Unfortunately, if gum disease has progressed too much, your pearly whites may be unable to be saved and tooth extraction may be the only option. Remember, prevention is key when it comes to gum disease. The earlier you visit your dentist, the more likely you can reverse the damage with periodontal therapy.
#3. Overcrowded Teeth that Prevent Orthodontic Treatment
Sometimes jaws are too small to fit a full set of teeth, resulting in all of them crowding together. While this isn’t likely to cause you discomfort, you may be unable to straighten your smile with orthodontics since there is no room in your mouth for your teeth to move. As a result, your dentist may suggest a tooth be removed to make space for your teeth to move and align.
#4. Wisdom Teeth Issues
The common age range for wisdom teeth to erupt is between 17 and 25 years old. They are called wisdom teeth because they are the last teeth to appear. Due to this fact, the mouth oftentimes does not have enough room to welcome these last arrivals. Consequently, wisdom teeth can become trapped beneath the gum line and cause various dental issues. Even if they aren’t causing any discomfort, your dentist may suggest having them removed to prevent any major oral health issues in the future.
Remember: Tooth Extraction is Always the Last Resort
It’s important to be mindful of the fact that your dentist’s goal is to always save your natural teeth when possible! An extraction will always be the last possible option when there is simply no other solution for your oral health problem. Rest assured that your dental professional will take whatever necessary steps to protect your smile and do what’s best for it.
About the Author
Dr. James Geer keeps the smiles of Tomball whole, healthy, and beautiful. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Texas at Houston and has advanced training and experience in oral surgery with an emphasis on difficult extractions. With a focus on providing exceptional care, he offers a comprehensive range of services to keep your oral health in top condition. To schedule an appointment, contact him through his website or call (281) 357-4337.