Tooth extractions are one of the biggest reasons that dental patients feel anxiety over sitting in their dentist’s chair. No matter how old or young you are, no dental patient looks forward to getting a tooth removed! There are plenty of reasons that you may need a tooth extraction, such as:
- Cavities
- Wisdom teeth
- Decayed, infected, or damaged teeth
- Overcrowding
- Trauma or injury to either the tooth or the jawbone
Some patients may even need a tooth extraction in preparation for long-term dental work, such as braces, or permanent dental fixtures, such as crowns and bridges. The good news is that dental extractions are very safe, common procedures that can be completed with very little discomfort (or none at all).
If you have teeth that are decayed, infected, or damaged, you may be putting yourself at unnecessary risk by putting off your tooth extraction. You could even be creating a larger problem by causing increased damage to your teeth over time! In the sections below, we’ve outlined a few compelling reasons to schedule your tooth extraction sooner, rather than later.
Tooth decay
Tooth decay can be dangerous if left unchecked. As your tooth decays, your mouth is more prone to a buildup of “bad” bacteria and infection. A bacterial infection can result in a tooth abscess, which can cause anything from facial swelling to aches and pains throughout your jawbone, ear, and neck. The infection can even spread to other areas of your body and make it difficult to breathe or swallow, often necessitating a trip to the emergency room.
Jawbone damage
Periodontal disease may require a tooth extraction. This is because bone loss is often a side effect of periodontal disease, which causes your teeth to shift and become misaligned. Over time, shifting teeth could make it difficult to chew, bite down or swallow. If left untreated, misaligned teeth can cause your jawbone to become permanently damaged.
Broken teeth
Broken or damaged teeth can result in significant pain or discomfort. While many chipped or broken teeth can be treated with dental implants, severely damaged teeth may need to be removed. If a broken tooth is not removed right away, your mouth becomes much more susceptible to infection and an overgrowth of harmful bacteria. You could even cause your lips, gums, and cheeks to become damaged as well.
Wisdom tooth pain
Wisdom tooth extractions are perhaps the most common type of dental extractions – and they are also the most painful. If a wisdom tooth is impacted, it can cause significant pain and discomfort. Avoiding an extraction for too long could cause permanent damage to your jawbone, cause your teeth to become misaligned, or even result in an infection. Removing an impacted wisdom tooth as soon as possible will not only minimize your pain, but it will also save you from a host of unpleasant long-term complications.
Feeling nervous about a tooth extraction is completely normal – but don’t let that stop you from making an appointment as soon as possible. Reach out to Caputo Dental today to schedule your tooth extraction! We’ll talk through any worries or doubts that you may be having about the procedure to ensure you feel comfortable and confident with your tooth extraction.