Many patients dread the day when they will need to have a tooth extracted, but this simple procedure is safer than ever. With modern anesthetics, you will feel very little during and after your appointment. You also have more options than ever to restore your smile after a tooth has been lost or extracted. Here is a quick look at five signs that it might be time to call your dentist to talk having a tooth pulled.
Impaction
A tooth typically becomes impacted when it erupts in the wrong location. Once that takes place, all of the surrounding teeth will be overcrowded and slowly dislodge themselves from the jaw. In order to preserve the other teeth, you need to have the impacted tooth removed as soon as possible.
Severe Chips and Cracks
A minor chip is generally nothing more than a cosmetic issue, but patients should be wary of any damage that exposes the interior pulp of the tooth. The pulp is very susceptible to bacteria, and an infection will most likely occur unless the tooth is extracted or a bonding material is used to cover the crack.
An Ongoing Infection
Tooth infections are not only extremely painful, but the bacteria inside the pulp might spread to other areas of your body as well. Professionals, like those at Renovo Endodontic Studio, know that when tooth infections are caught in their earliest stages, an infection can generally be treated with a root canal. Those who allow the infection to become worse will need to have the entire tooth extracted so that the infection does not spread to the gums.
Pain in the Jaw While You Eat
Anyone who experiences pain while chewing should schedule an immediate appointment with their dentist. Even if a tooth doesn’t need to be extracted, that type of pain is a very clear sign that something is wrong with your gums or jaws. Your dentist can quickly take X-rays to determine what is causing the pain and how it can be fixed.
Bleeding or Inflamed Gums
Healthy gums are extremely resilient, but a tooth infection can damage the nearby soft tissue. Once the inner pulp is exposed, bacteria will often cause the gums to swell and bleed. In addition to extracting the tooth, the dentist might suggest additional treatments such as prescription mouthwash.
Once your tooth has been extracted, you can then choose from a wide variety of treatments to restore the form and function of your smile. Options such as dental implants and bridges will allow you to once again eat and speak comfortably.
