Signs That You May Need to Have a Tooth Extracted

Did you know that your oral health is closely related to your general health and well-being?

Meaning that when you have a problem with your teeth, you need to have it fixed immediately. And that may include having a tooth extracted.

Only a professional can tell you whether or not you need to have a tooth removed. But there are some signs that indicate when it's time to consider this option.

Below, we explain all the signs that you may need to have a tooth pulled. Keep reading to learn more.

1. Pain

Severe pain in the gums or the teeth is often the first sign that something is wrong with your tooth. Sometimes, tooth and jaw pain might be generalized around the tooth in question.

It can also present as pain or stiffness in the jaw and pain that gets worse when you're chewing or biting. Even swollen gums can be a sign that you need a tooth extracted.

2. Infection

An infection such as an abscess may also lead to having a tooth extracted. An abscess is a bacterial infection in the pulp of your tooth.

These are usually very painful and can be treated in any number of ways, including antibiotics or a root canal. However, if the abscess doesn't subsist with these treatments, the only option may be tooth extraction.

3. Overcrowding

Some people have a condition wherein their teeth are too large to fit properly in their mouths. Dentists refer to this as overcrowding. It can be caused by injury and genetics.

The problem with overcrowding is that it can cause greater wear and tear on your teeth and jaw. It can also lead to periodontal disease and jaw joint damage. To prevent the issues associated with overcrowding, your dentist may suggest having a tooth extracted.

4. Damage

Due to injury or another condition, your tooth might have been damaged. While there are ways to fix broken teeth, sometimes they're damaged beyond repair.

For example, a crack in the tooth can usually be repaired with a crown. But if that crack reaches all the way to the root of the tooth, a crown won't help and the tooth will have to be removed.

5. Decay

Dentists use fillings to fill in teeth that have begun to decay. But if your decay is extensive, a filling isn't going to fix it.

In these cases, the dentist will remove the tooth in order to stop the decay from spreading to the pulp of the teeth. When that happens, there's a high risk of infection and that infection can spread to other teeth. That is why some dentists will take the preventative measure of extracting a tooth when there's only the risk of an infection developing.

Do You Need to Have a Tooth Extracted?

You might need to have a tooth extracted if you're experiencing pain or swelling around a tooth or along the jawline. Other signs you might require tooth extraction include overcrowding, decay, and damage. But the only way to be 100% sure that you require tooth extraction is to visit a professional.

If you're experiencing any of the above signs, you should seek assistance immediately. Contact us to book an appointment for tooth extraction, Calgary.