The reason why talking to our dentists is so important is that it’s not always possible to take care of our oral health on our own. While good dental hygiene and being aware of how your teeth feel are important, it’s equally important to have a professional catch certain problems before they get worse.
If your dentist tells you that you might need a tooth extracted, you might be surprised. After all, it’s possible that you could need an extraction on a tooth that doesn’t even hurt! Here’s why that might be the case, and why you should still go through with the procedure.
Do I Need an Extraction on a Tooth that Doesn’t Hurt?
Whether you realize it or not, there are quite a few reasons why someone whose tooth doesn’t hurt might need an extraction. Toothaches aren’t natural—they’re the result of an oral health problem that’s progressed way too far. In fact, a tooth may already be beyond saving but not actually hurt yet. In many such cases, it’s best to extract the tooth before things become uncomfortable, which they will if you do nothing.
What Can Cause Me to Need an Extraction?
There are a few reasons why extracting a tooth might be necessary. For example:
Infection
The most common cause of toothaches is an infection that has reached deep inside the tooth, down to what’s called the root pulp. However, decay can cause much shallower infections without inflicting any pain. If you’re immunocompromised, even these low-level infections can become fairly serious, which could warrant an extraction.
Gum Disease
Minor gum disease is remarkably common, but in severe cases, it can cause substantial enough problems to warrant removing a tooth. Periodontitis, or extreme gum disease, can seep below the gum line and infect the jawbone surrounding the tooth. This can lead to bone loss, which will cause the tooth to come loose on its own. By taking the tooth out before that point, you can mitigate some of the bone loss and make it easy to place a dental implant afterward.
If your dentist recommends that you remove a tooth, there’s almost certainly a good reason for it. You should take their advice and get the care you need before the issue gets worse.
About The Author
Dr. Jeff Lee has been working in dentistry for well over two decades, so if you need complex oral surgery, there’s no one better to help you. Dr. Lee graduated from The Ohio State University College of Dentistry, and he completed his residency in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. He also served in the United States Navy aboard the USS George Washington.
If you have any questions about tooth extractions, he can be reached at our website. You can also call his Cambridge, OH office at (740) 432-8768.