If you have a sudden or severe toothache caused by an obviously decayed or damaged tooth, you might expect your dentist to recommend an extraction. However, if you’ve been told that this procedure is recommended but you aren’t currently experiencing discomfort, it’s natural to wonder why.
The truth is, there are several instances in which it might be necessary to have a troublesome tooth removed, and pain isn’t necessarily a pre-requisite. Continue reading to learn 3 circumstances in which your dentist might recommend this treatment even if you’re not hurting!
Reason #1: Cavities
Did you know that cavities can be contagious? Bacteria in your mouth work alongside acids from the foods you eat to wear away the protective enamel covering your teeth. If they penetrate the tender pulp inside your tooth, it can become painfully infected. Then, if you wait too long to call your dentist, your condition can progress.
If you had a sore tooth that suddenly stopped hurting, you might think the issue resolved itself. Unfortunately, it’s more likely that the nerves died and can no longer send pain signals to your brain. To make matters worse, caries can spread to your gum tissue or jawbone, which puts your overall dental health at risk. In cases like this, your provider may have to extract your tooth even though it’s stopped hurting to protect and preserve your smile.
Reason #2: Gum Disease
You might also require an extraction if you’ve developed a periodontal problem, whether or not you’re aware of it. The earliest form of gum disease, gingivitis, is notoriously difficult to catch because it doesn’t always exhibit symptoms until it’s already progressed.
That means you might have gum disease and not even know it. As your condition worsens, your connective tissues start to pull away from your teeth to escape. This leaves your pearly whites without a firm enough foundation, and they can become loose, destabilized, or fall out altogether. You may need to have them removed and replaced before they can be injured or damaged.
Reason #3: Allow Another Treatment
Sometimes, your provider must remove perfectly healthy teeth to make room in your mouth for other services to be successful. For example, if you’ve already lost most of your teeth and want to rebuild your grin with dentures, you may need to remove any remaining in your mouth to make enough room for prosthetics to fit correctly.
If you’re unsure about why your dentist suggested that you have one or more of your teeth extracted, the best way to find out is to have an honest conversation with them. They can tell you why they recommended removal and how they expect it to benefit your grin.
About the Practice
At United Dental Centers of Hammond, you and your family benefit from a team of dentists dedicated to helping you build and maintain your happiest, healthiest smiles. They share 40+ years of combined experience and provide a comprehensive array of services to people of all ages, including extractions. They combine a caring and compassionate approach with state-of-the-art equipment to enhance patient comfort while delivering accurate treatment results. If you have a problematic tooth that needs attention, you can request an appointment on the website or call (219) 933-4900.