Tooth extraction can feel like a symbol of failure. Failure to properly take care of your teeth, failure to catch a gum disease in time, failure to be careful during your soccer game like mom said – even dentists don’t prefer to consider this last resort option.
However, there are plenty of good reasons to extract a tooth, many of which don’t involve personal shortcomings. Keep reading to find out why extracting your tooth might not actually be the worst idea.
Tooth Extraction Can Save Your Other Teeth
In cases of severe infection or cavities, it’s better to sacrifice one tooth for the sake of the others. These conditions can spread like wildfire, causing complications and discomfort to erupt over most of your mouth.
Bad genes can affect your risk for developing these conditions just as much as poor oral hygiene. If you do feel responsible for this less-than-ideal situation, focus more on saving your remaining teeth. Ask your dentist how you can promote your oral health. They’ll give you some tips and tricks, judgement-free.
Removing A Tooth Can Make Way for Better Alignment
Sometimes teeth are so crooked that they overcrowd the mouth, creating chaos. A single tooth could be the thread you need to tug loose in order to re-align your teeth and restore your bite. Once it’s extracted, your dentist will be able to carefully arrange your remaining teeth to compensate for the missing one. It’s another noble sacrifice, but sometimes the pros outweigh the cons.
Extracting The Tooth Can Prevent Damage from Impactions
When a tooth is trying to emerge but can’t, it’s called an impacted tooth. Impacted teeth are blocked by either other existing teeth or the gums. As they grow, they’ll damage or shove aside your pearly whites, causing aches, pains, and more than likely, a serious need for braces. Wisdom teeth are an excellent example of this type of extraction need. It’s better to spare yourself from complications and remove the troublemaker.
The Tooth Can’t Hurt If It’s Extracted
If your tooth is causing you severe pain, you might already be excited at the thought of having it taken out. Know that you don’t have to feel any sense of remorse. Teeth that hurt badly enough to warrant extraction are often damaged beyond repair or otherwise unsalvageable. That doesn’t mean your dentist won’t give it a shot! They’ll do what they can to save your tooth and alleviate pain, but in some cases, extraction is the best option.
Overall, your impending tooth extraction is less of a moral failing and more of a saving grace. It’s a way to restore your oral health without jeopardizing your other teeth. Once your dentist has done the not-so-dirty deed, you can look forward to alleviation from pain and a brighter smile. So don’t forget to say “thank you” before you leave the office!
About the Author
Dr. Deepti Namineni graduated from the New York University School of Dentistry and has benefited from observing several different dental specialists. Thanks to her experience, you can trust her with a reliable assessment of your oral health and any necessary tooth extractions. To make an appointment, call her office at 972-573-4932 or visit her website.