My Tooth Does Not Hurt — Why Does It Need to Be Extracted?

If a tooth is in a lot of pain, you may readily consent to get it extracted just so you can experience relief. But what if a tooth feels fine and your dentist recommends that it be removed? You might hesitate to consent, but when you ask for the reasons behind the treatment recommendation, you may come to understand that there are some situations in which a tooth should be pulled even when it is not in pain. What are some of those situations? This blog post explains.

Infection

Some types of dental infections cause severe pain. In certain instances, though, infections are sneaky and cause very subtle symptoms — if they cause any symptoms at all. They may even damage a tooth so badly that the nerve inside it dies, rendering it unable to emit pain signals. In some cases, such teeth are not salvageable and should be extracted.

Decay

Small spots of decay usually do not cause any noticeable symptoms. As cavities deepen, though, they may cause intermittent pain. They might even cause extensive damage that is not reparable with a crown or other restorative treatments. Extraction may be the best course of action.

Gum Disease

Gum disease is an infection of the pink tissue that surrounds the teeth. As it worsens over time, it can seriously damage both the gums and the underlying jawbone. It may cause the teeth to become so loose that they are in danger of falling out. Such teeth may not be in pain, but removing them might be necessary in order to adequately address advanced gum disease.

Overcrowding

Due to genetics, some people develop extra teeth, which could cause their mouth to become crowded. Other patients have a small mouth that cannot comfortably accommodate a full set of teeth. These issues can contribute to oral hygiene challenges, a misaligned bite, and a range of additional complications. In such situations, it may be best to remove one or more teeth so the remaining teeth can function better.

Prevention

Sometimes, tooth removal is a preventive measure. This is often the case with wisdom teeth, which are notorious for causing a range of oral health problems, such as infections, cysts, and more.

Your Dentist Does Not Want to Remove Your Teeth

Your dentist is not eager to remove your teeth. In fact, you can trust them to consider all other treatment possibilities before they recommend an extraction. If they do advise you to get a tooth pulled, you can be confident that they are acting in your best interests!

Meet the Practice

Dr. Hiren H. Shah is a general dentist with more than a decade of experience in his field. He provides restorative care, gentle tooth extractions, and a range of other services. If you have questions or concerns about your oral health, he and our team would be pleased to speak with you. Contact Signature Smiles in Edison at 908-834-8448.