You visit the dentist’s office expecting to get a clean bill of health. Unfortunately, you learn that you need to have a tooth removed. But why? If you’re not in pain, why is this something you must have completed? To answer why your tooth needs to be extracted even if you’re feeling no pain, a dentist shares 3 reasons this important process may be required so that you avoid future dental problems.
Why Pain Isn’t Always a Factor for Tooth Removal
In most cases, tooth extraction is often recommended when a person is experiencing intense pain caused by an infection or facial trauma. Considerable pain is typically involved, which is why removing the tooth can often bring much-needed relief. But this is not always the case.
Some dentists will turn to this type of treatment even if the pain does not exist. Why? Because a tooth may be so severely damaged that the nerve inside it may no longer be alive. As a result, you may feel no pain at all. A tooth in this type of state cannot be saved with root canal therapy or any other restorative solution. Instead, it must be removed.
Why Have a Tooth Extracted if No Pain Exists?
Apart from the reality that you might have a dead tooth that can no longer cause pain, there are a few other reasons why your dentist might suggest tooth extraction. These include:
- Overcrowding – You need orthodontic treatment, but there are too many teeth in your mouth to ensure optimal results. Your dentist might recommend that one or more be removed so that appropriate space is made available when it comes time for your pearly whites to start shifting.
- Gum Disease – When bacteria attack the soft oral tissues so severely that it begins to affect the bone and teeth, they may become loose. Although it may not cause any discomfort, it may be in your best interest to have one or more of these teeth removed. This can allow your dentist to recommend replacement options so that you can resume using your smile as normal.
- Potential Infection – Mouth-related infections are a potential risk, especially for anyone with a weakened immune system. The challenge for the body to stave off gum disease, dental decay, or other problematic diseases can make maintaining good oral health difficult. Should decay manifest, it may not leave you in any pain, but it can spread and affect other nearby teeth. This is why it’s best to have these teeth removed so that you avoid tooth pain that is the result of serious decay.
Rest assured that your dentist will only recommend tooth extraction if they believe it to be necessary. Other restorative solutions will be tried and considered first to help you keep your natural teeth as long as possible.
About the Authors
At Indianapolis Family Dentistry, Dr. Mark Farthing and Dr. Armin Tepner are two trusted dentists who care about helping patients smile better. Believing in the power of preventive care, they will do their best to minimize the risk of needing restorative dentistry. However, when circumstances arise that require a tooth to be removed, you can expect that your safety and comfort will be their priority. Visit our website or call (317) 898-3384 to discover why you might be recommended for this type of treatment.