If you begin to experience severe tooth pain, it can begin to make you feel uneasy. Oftentimes, you may begin to wonder if your oral health issue is severe enough to require getting a tooth removed. If that’s the case, you usually won’t be surprised if your dentist informs you that it will be necessary. However, it can be shocking if you need a tooth extraction when you have been experiencing no discomfort. Unfortunately, there are some oral health issues that don’t cause pain until they become much more severe. Read on to learn about four reasons why you might need a tooth removed despite having a pain-free smile.
1. Severe Tooth Decay
When a cavity goes untreated for a long period of time, it can cause a major infection of the inner tooth. Eventually, it can damage the nerve inside the tooth so severely that it no longer sends a painful signal to your brain. As time progresses, the infection can spread to the rest of your mouth…and even throughout your body! If the tooth is beyond saving, it will most likely have to be removed to protect your oral and physical health.
2. Gum Disease
There are stages of gum disease. It initially starts out mild and grows worse over time. The infection of the soft tissues of your mouth can eventually reach your teeth, loosening them. Unfortunately, if gum disease has progressed too much, your pearly whites may be unable to be saved and tooth extraction may be the only option. Remember, prevention is key when it comes to gum disease. The earlier you visit your dentist, the more likely you can reverse the damage with periodontal therapy.
3. Overcrowded Teeth that Prevent Orthodontic Treatment
Sometimes jaws are too small to fit a full set of teeth, resulting in all of them crowding together. While this isn’t likely to cause you discomfort, you may be unable to straighten your smile with orthodontics since there is no room in your mouth for your teeth to move. As a result, your dentist may suggest a tooth be removed to make space for your teeth to move and align.
4. Wisdom Teeth Issues
The common age range for wisdom teeth to erupt is between 17 and 25 years old. They are called wisdom teeth because they are the last teeth to appear. Due to this fact, the mouth oftentimes does not have enough room to welcome these last arrivals. Consequently, wisdom teeth can become trapped beneath the gum line and cause various dental issues. Even if they aren’t causing any discomfort, your dentist may suggest having them removed to prevent any major oral health issues in the future.
Remember: Tooth Extraction is Always the Last Resort
It’s important to be mindful of the fact that your dentist’s goal is to always save your natural teeth when possible! An extraction will always be the last possible option when there is simply no other solution for your oral health problem. Rest assured that your dental professional will take whatever necessary steps to protect your smile and do what’s best for it.
About the Practice
Little Rock Dental Care keeps the smiles of Little Rock healthy and whole through the expertise of its team of dentists. With three different locations, they focus on giving high-quality dental care with comfort and convenience. They provide a full range of dental services, including emergency care like tooth extractions. To schedule an appointment, contact them through their website or call (501) 954-9900.