If you have ever had a severe toothache, you may have readily agreed to whatever treatment plan your dentist proposed, even if that involved pulling the tooth. But what if you are not in any pain at all and your dentist recommends a tooth extraction? Understandably, you might be reluctant to consent. But there are valid reasons for removing a tooth even when no obvious symptoms are present. In this blog post, you can learn about some of them.
Infection Risk
A tooth might need to be extracted if it poses a risk of infection. Even in the absence of pain, an infection can be brewing inside the tooth or its surrounding tissues, potentially leading to severe complications if not addressed promptly. Proactively removing teeth that are at risk of infection can be especially important for individuals with a compromised immune system, such as those undergoing cancer treatment.
Decay
Tooth decay can reach a stage where the tooth is structurally compromised beyond repair. Sometimes, this causes significant pain, but in other cases, the nerve inside the tooth dies, so no pain is present. The decay can therefore silently worsen, making extraction the best option to prevent further damage and maintain oral health.
Gum Disease
Advanced gum disease, or periodontitis, can cause the teeth to become loose as the supporting tissues and bone deteriorate. Extracting a tooth affected by severe gum disease may be necessary as part of a comprehensive plan to treat gum disease and promote long-term oral health.
Overcrowding
Overcrowding occurs when there is not enough space in the mouth for all the teeth to align properly. To create the necessary space for orthodontic treatment and achieve a balanced bite, it might be essential to extract one or more teeth, even if they are relatively healthy and not causing any pain.
Preventive Tooth Removal
Wisdom teeth, or third molars, often need to be extracted as a preventive measure. These teeth can cause issues such as impaction, crowding, and infection. Removing them before they cause pain can ensure that they do not lead to more serious oral health problems in the future.
It is not pleasant to think about losing a tooth, especially if it is not causing any pain. However, you can rest assured that if your dentist recommends an extraction, they have your best interests at heart!
Meet the Practice
At Four Town Dental in Enfield, we are pleased to provide a full range of services for our community, including standard tooth extractions, wisdom tooth removal, and more. If you have questions about your oral health or what to expect during a tooth removal procedure, we are ready to speak with you. Contact our office at 860-856-6928.