Many people experience anxiety around dental appointments, especially if they’ve been told they need to have a troublesome tooth extracted. Although this procedure is common, you might feel nervous about it if you’re not sure why it was recommended or if it’s truly necessary.
Typically, removal is only suggested as a last resort to preserve your dental health when no other treatments can do so effectively. Continue reading to learn 3 reasons your dentist might want to pull a tooth and how it can improve your oral health!
Issue #1: Infection
Do you have an overly damaged or decayed tooth causing pain or keeping you from eating, speaking, or smiling normally? Unfortunately, bacteria in your mouth can penetrate your enamel to cause an irritating infection in the tender pulp inside your tooth. This can lead to aches and inflammation that interfere with daily life.
Sometimes, root canals can remove damaged materials to restore a decaying tooth. However, if it’s beyond saving, the only recourse available to your dentist is an emergency extraction. Cavities are contagious, and the disease can spread to neighboring teeth or your jawbone if it’s left unaddressed. In these cases, pulling the tooth is the best way to preserve your grin.
Issue #2: Overcrowding
You might think of your overcrowded teeth as more of an aesthetic concern than an oral problem, but the truth is, if they press so closely together that they overlap, you can’t reach all their surfaces to clean them. If you can’t reach all sides to clear away plaque and bacteria while brushing or flossing, you’re more likely to develop dental disease, injuries, and other issues.
Sometimes, removing one or two overcrowded teeth creates just enough space in your jawbone for them to sit comfortably and evenly so you can care for them correctly.
Issue #3: To Allow Other Treatments
Another reason your provider might recommend removing still-viable teeth is to allow for other treatments, like orthodontics or dentures, to be successful. For example, if you’ve lost most of your teeth and want to replace them, your dentist will likely need to take out any remnants to ensure your restoration fits correctly. This is common if you’re getting a complete arch of artificial teeth or need to get braces or Invisalign to shift them to their proper places.
If you’re still unsure why your dentist wants to remove your tooth, the best way to find out is to ask them directly. They’ll provide as much information about your condition and the suggested solution as you need to move forward comfortably and confidently.
About the Practice
At Atrium Family Dental of New Lenox, people of all ages benefit from a team of dentists with decades of combined experience. Dr. Albert, Dr. Snow, and Dr. Feller work collaboratively to offer a comprehensive menu of services to meet all your family’s needs at one convenient location, including extractions. They take the time to customize your treatment plan to your unique circumstances, then utilize state-of-the-art equipment to improve patient comfort while delivering accurate results you can count on. If you have a troublesome tooth needing help, you can request an appointment on the website or call (815) 462-9990.