Why Do I Need a Tooth Extraction if My Tooth Doesn’t Hurt?

Picture this. You’re at your dentist’s office for a routine exam and cleaning. Following the review of your X-rays, your dentist has informed you that your tooth needs to be extracted. If you haven’t felt any pain or noticed anything wrong, you may be feeling a bit surprised right about now. But the truth is, even if your tooth doesn’t seem like it’s in peril, there are still a variety of reasons why it may need to be removed. Here’s why even if you’re not in pain you may still need a tooth extraction.

Impacted Teeth

Wisdom teeth are very notorious for becoming impacted. This means they are growing in sideways and/or underneath other teeth. Though you may not feel any pain just yet, this can often become painful and can eventually lead to damage to your nearby healthy teeth. Thus, to eliminate problems before they become uncomfortable or complicated to correct, your dentist may recommend wisdom tooth extraction.

Periodontal (Gum) Disease

While you may not feel any pain from teeth that are loose due to periodontal disease, these teeth may not be able to be saved. Thus, your dentist may recommend extraction if no other options are viable.

Severe Decay or Damage

If your teeth have damage or decay that is so severe they cannot be repaired with a filling or crown, it may be best to extract them and replace them with dental implants or a bridge. If you have multiple missing teeth, you may also consider dentures or implant dentures to restore the appearance and function of your smile.

Crowding

Orthodontic treatments typically aim to align your full arch of teeth; however, sometimes there is too much crowding in the mouth to do so successfully. Thus, your dentist may recommend removing a back tooth or teeth to make room to align the front teeth. This can also help with keeping your teeth and gums clean and healthy, as crowding can create dangerous nooks and crannies for food and bacteria to hide in and cause problems like cavities, decay, and gum disease.

Infection Risk

Finally, if you are immuno-compromised or may require life-saving treatment such as chemotherapy, you need to be careful about infections. Thus, if any of your teeth have any decay that cannot be safely treated, you may need to have them extracted to lower your risk of developing any further complications to your health.

Remember, your dentist’s goal is always to preserve your teeth if possible. Thus, you can rest assured that if they are recommending tooth extraction, it is because there are no safe alternatives to help create a healthier mouth. If you have any questions or concerns about why your dentist has chosen this option, please don’t hesitate to ask.

About Our Practice

At Queen Creek Complete Dental, we know that your teeth are important. That’s why we strive to keep them healthy and strong, so they last a lifetime. If your dentist has recommended an extraction, we want you to know that it is always in the best interest of you and your oral health.

To learn more about extractions, or if you have any questions or concerns about an extraction recommendation from another practice, please call us at 480-722-1200, or schedule an appointment on our website.