Your dentist will always try to save your natural teeth whenever possible. But if a given tooth is beyond saving, a tooth extraction may be the only option left. If you’re nervous about having a tooth removed, it’s important to consider the reasons why the procedure can be the best choice for your oral health. Below is a brief overview of 3 potential benefits of having a tooth extracted.
1. It Can Prevent Infections From Spreading
Untreated decay can lead to a severe infection of the pulp at the center of the tooth. Said infection could potentially spread to other parts of the mouth if it’s left alone for too long. In rare cases, it could even lead to sepsis, which is a life-threatening condition.
Infected teeth can sometimes be saved with a root canal treatment. But if this is no longer an option, extracting the tooth in question could be essential for protecting your oral and overall health. Getting rid of the infection will ensure that it doesn’t spread any further, thus helping you avoid additional issues.
2. It Can Put a Stop to Your Pain
A common symptom of a tooth infection is severe, throbbing pain. In many cases, the discomfort may grow even worse when you use the tooth in question to bite or chew. You may also experience pain when the tooth comes in contact with anything that’s particularly hot or cold.
Removing a painful infected tooth can help you achieve the lasting relief that you deserve. Once the discomfort is gone, you can start exploring your options for filling in the gap in your smile.
3. It Can Be a Solution for Overcrowded Teeth
When teeth are severely overcrowded, they can potentially affect your ability to straighten your smile with braces and other orthodontic treatments. Braces are meant to guide the teeth to new positions; however, if there isn’t enough room for the teeth to move, the braces can’t do their job.
In certain cases, patients with overcrowded teeth may need to undergo a tooth extraction before they can start the orthodontic process. By removing a tooth, your dentist can create the space needed to realign the rest of your smile, which could make a significant difference for your oral health in the long run.
A tooth extraction will never be your dentist’s first choice. However, if you do end up needing to undergo the procedure, you can rest assured knowing that it will ultimately benefit your oral health.
About the Author
Dr. Travis Rottman has been in the dental field since 2011. He went to the Texas A&M Baylor College of Dentistry, and today he is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry. He offers same-day appointments for those who need emergency dental care. When a tooth extraction is required, he strives to make sure that the procedure is as comfortable as possible. If you think you may need to have a tooth removed, you can request an emergency appointment with Dr. Rottman at Sachse Family Dentistry at Woodbridge by calling (972) 848-0073. You can also visit his website or use his online booking tool.