Tooth extractions are typically reserved as a last resort treatment option. If that’s true, though, why is your dentist saying you need one when your tooth doesn’t even hurt?
There are many reasons you might need a tooth extraction, but the short of it is that just because it’s not bothering you doesn’t mean that nothing’s wrong! Keep reading to learn why your dentist might be recommending this drastic treatment.
There’s a Dangerous Infection
If bacteria build up in your mouth reaches a certain point, one or more teeth could become infected. An infection that has taken root deep inside your tooth has no where else to go but out. When a root canal won’t prevent it from spreading to your other teeth, an extraction will.
Your Teeth are Overcrowded
“Overcrowding” is when your mouth is so full of pearly whites that they’re exerting excess pressure on each other – or that you don’t have room for some wisdom teeth that are trying to grow in. Your dentist may have to remove a tooth or two to relieve your other pearly whites, make room for an orthodontic treatment, or take care of your wisdom teeth.
Tooth Decay or Gum Disease is Too Severe
Two other problems that can occur with bad bacteria build up is tooth decay and gum disease. If cavities erode so much of your tooth that it’s unsalvageable, your dentist will have to remove it to prevent complications, such as spreading the decay to other teeth.
Gum disease, on the other hand, doesn’t attack your teeth directly, but instead targets your gums. If your gums recede to the point where your tooth can’t reliably stay in place, that’s good cause for extraction.
Ask Your Dentist
Not all oral health complications cause discomfort, and the ones that often do can become so bad that they damage your dental nerve. Infections, tooth decay, and gum disease can all interfere with your body’s ability to process pain signals. Alignment issues like overcrowding, meanwhile, don’t always hurt. Your dentist is trained to see these problems, which is why they might know something’s wrong before you do!
At the end of the day, if you’re confused about a diagnosis or treatment recommendation, it’s best to ask your dentist about it. They want you to understand your situation and stay well-informed, so they’ll be happy to explain their assessment to you in more detail.
About the Author
Dr. Sarah Yarnell earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, and is a Master of the College of Sedation Dentistry. As a caring and compassionate dentist, she’ll treat your teeth judgement-free and stay focused on providing for your oral health needs. If you have questions or concerns about tooth extraction, don’t hesitate to ask Dr. Yarnell for clarification! To contact her office, call 870-932-8488.