Tooth extraction is often viewed as a treatment of last resort, but there are situations where removing a tooth can actually benefit your oral health. Dentists generally try to preserve natural teeth whenever possible, but when a tooth is severely damaged, infected, or creating problems for surrounding teeth, extraction may be the healthiest option. Here are several potential benefits of having a tooth removed when your dentist recommends it.
Eliminate a Source of Pain and Infection
A severely decayed, fractured, or infected tooth can cause significant discomfort. In some cases, the tooth may no longer be treatable with a filling, crown, or root canal.
Removing the problematic tooth can eliminate the immediate source of infection and prevent the condition from affecting nearby tissues. If an infection has caused swelling or other symptoms, your dentist will also determine whether additional treatment is necessary.
Protect Nearby Teeth
A damaged or infected tooth doesn’t always affect only itself. Advanced decay and infection can potentially spread to surrounding areas. Removing a tooth that cannot be successfully restored may help protect neighboring teeth and surrounding oral tissues.
Your dentist will evaluate the condition of the tooth and surrounding structures before determining whether extraction is appropriate.
May Improve Gum Health
Severely damaged teeth and teeth affected by advanced periodontal disease can be difficult to keep clean. When a tooth has lost significant support from the surrounding bone and gums, extraction may sometimes be recommended.
Removing a tooth that cannot be saved can make it easier to manage the health of the surrounding area and develop a plan for maintaining your remaining teeth.
Create Space for Orthodontic Treatment
Not every extraction is performed because a tooth is diseased. Sometimes, removing a tooth may be part of an orthodontic treatment plan.
If there isn’t enough room for all of the teeth to fit properly, an orthodontist may recommend extraction in carefully selected cases. Creating additional space can help allow the remaining teeth to move into healthier or more functional positions.
Solution for Impacted Teeth
When a tooth has trouble breaking through the gums, it’s known as an impacted tooth. Wisdom teeth are usually the ones most likely to become impacted, and when this happens, it can create a myriad of unpleasant symptoms, the chief one being extreme tooth pain.
In this case, extracting the problem is a no-brainer. Not only does it get rid of the source of the side effects, but since wisdom teeth are no longer useful to modern humans, there are no downsides to losing them. It’s a win-win situation!
While preserving natural teeth is usually preferred, extraction can sometimes provide important benefits for your overall oral health. The decision depends on factors such as the tooth’s condition, your gum and bone health, and whether the tooth can be predictably restored. If your dentist recommends an extraction, ask why the tooth cannot be saved and what replacement options are available.
About the Practice
Since it was established in 1974, Boston Prosthodontics Dental Group has earned a reputation as one of the most respected and well-known dental practices in the world. Staffed by 4 board-certified prosthodontists and a board-certified periodontist, you can rest assured knowing that when you visit our Boston office, you’re placing your care in the hands of masters of their craft. Contact us online or by phone at (617) 523-5451.