Tooth extraction is often associated with severe pain or discomfort. This confuses many patients when the procedure is recommended when their tooth isn’t causing them any trouble. However, there are several reasons why a dentist may recommend tooth extraction, even if the tooth in question isn’t in pain.
If you’re curious as to why tooth extraction may be necessary for your oral health beyond pain relief, continue reading.
1. Severe Tooth Decay
One of the most common reasons for tooth extraction is severe tooth decay. This can weaken the structure of the tooth, leading to irreversible damage that may not necessarily cause pain initially.
However, if left untreated, severe decay can progress to the point where the tooth is at risk of infection or abscess formation. That’s a worst-case scenario that can be avoided with extraction.
2. Gum Disease
Advanced gum disease can quickly weaken the gums and bone surrounding a tooth. In some cases, this can cause the tooth to become loose or mobile. While this sensation might be strange, it’s not always accompanied by pain.
To prevent further issues and preserve your oral health, extraction may be recommended. This allows your dentist to properly treat the underlying disease, possibly saving your other teeth.
3. Orthodontic Treatment
In some cases, tooth extraction may be necessary to create space or fix overcrowding for orthodontic treatment. If your dentist believes extraction is the best way forward, they can incorporate it as part of your treatment plan. In this way, even if the tooth isn’t causing pain, it may still be an obstacle.
4. Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, often erupt in the late teens or early twenties. Because of their late appearance, they can sometimes become impacted due to lack of space in your jaw. Impacted wisdom teeth may not always cause pain, but they can lead to infection or damage to adjacent teeth. In such cases, extraction may be recommended as a preventive treatment.
As you can see, there are many reasons why tooth extraction may be necessary beyond pain relief. If your dentist recommends extraction, it’s important to understand the reasons and trust their expertise. If you’ve noticed any of these signs in your own mouth, call your dentist and schedule an appointment. Remember, extraction is the last resort. Your dentist will do everything they can to help preserve your smile before it comes to that.
About the Practice
Tooth extraction can make a lot of patients nervous. That’s why Dr. Joyce Warwick and Dr. John Warwick strive to make the procedure as quick, painless, and relaxed as possible. They use state-of-the-art dental technology and proven techniques to perform all their treatments, ensuring that you’ll remain comfortable and cared for. Call (412) 391-1130 to schedule a tooth extraction at Joyce Warwick DMD, or visit the website to explore other services.