Normally, when your body hurts, you know to rest or maybe even apply a cold compress. And when it doesn’t hurt, nothing’s wrong – it’s as simple as that! So why do you need a tooth extraction if you don’t have any dental pain? Doesn’t that mean your tooth is fine?
Actually, the existence or absence of pain isn’t really a good way to tell whether you need oral care or not. Keep reading to learn why your tooth could still be in trouble!
Decay Hasn’t Reached the Dental Nerve
Like other parts of your body, your teeth have nerves that pick up on biological dangers and send distress signals to your brain. In other words, they alert you to oral health hazards with pain. But these nerves are at the very center of your tooth, protected by several dental layers, like enamel.
You may not feel the effects of tooth decay until a cavity has caused extensive damage and gotten closer to the nerve. Most of the time, cavities can be filled, but in some cases, extraction is the only way to prevent spreading decay.
The Problem is In Your Gums
Other times, the underlying issue doesn’t have to do with the tooth at all! Gum disease is a type of bacterial infection that attacks, well, the gums. This pink oral tissue keeps your teeth in place, but gum disease can cause it to weaken and recede. When this happens, your tooth might become loose and require extraction. It’s possible you wouldn’t develop a toothache at all in this situation.
Your Mouth is Overcrowded
Though less dramatic than cavities or gum disease, an overcrowded mouth can still be a problem, especially if you’re considering orthodontics. Dental crowding is when crooked teeth are angled in such a way that they take up a lot of oral space. So much space, in fact, that there may not be enough room for metal braces or clear aligners to work effectively.
Overcrowding can also put excess stress on neighboring pearly whites, resulting in premature wear or jaw pain later in life. Either way, an extraction can remedy the issue and free up your smile for treatment.
Consult with Your Dentist
As you can see, there are multiple reasons why you might need a tooth extraction, even if you’re not experiencing discomfort. When you’re worried or confused about your oral health, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your dentist. They’ll be happy to go over their treatment recommendation in more detail – after all, they want you to be confident in your smile!
About the Practice
At OakBrook Dental & Orthodontics, we have two excellent orthodontists and two fantastic general dentists on staff. If you’re in need of a tooth extraction near McKinney, they’ll make sure you’re comfortable during your treatment and be sure to review your replacement options after. To contact our office, call 469-526-4040.