If you’ve ever had a tooth extracted, you know that it can be a disheartening experience. Losing a tooth can almost feel like losing a limb—a part of you. However, it doesn’t have to always be a negative experience. There are many positive benefits to tooth extraction.
If you want to look on the bright side and learn how tooth extraction can help you, continue reading.
1. Recover from Tooth Pain
The first priority for any dentist is to relieve any pain you may be experiencing. Accidents and dental emergencies happen. If you have a broken or cracked tooth it can cause excruciating pain that spreads through your whole face.
This can keep you from eating, sleeping, or performing other tasks. It’s best to have a tooth extracted if it will take away the pain and restore your quality of life.
2. Avoid the Spread of Tooth Decay
Tooth decay doesn’t stay in one place. It’s caused by a strain of streptococcus bacteria similar to strep throat. Bacteria multiply and spread—it’s their nature. If you have a severely decayed tooth, it’s only a matter of time before the rot begins to spread to other teeth.
Extracting a decayed tooth can prevent the bacteria from reproducing in your mouth, saving your other healthy teeth.
3. Resolve Gum Disease Issues
The final stage of periodontal disease is tooth loss as the bacterial plaque wedges itself into the pockets between your teeth and gums. The disease spreads through your gums and inflames them, making them red and sore. It also affects the periodontal ligament, the special muscle that keeps your teeth held in place.
Extraction of a tooth weakened by gum disease can provide some relief and allow your dentist a window they need to treat your affliction.
4. Stop Overcrowding
Human jaws have evolved to be smaller over time, but their teeth did not evolve to be smaller to compensate. Typically, an adult will have 32 teeth in their jaw including 8 incisors, 4 canines, 8 premolars, and 10 molars which include 4 “wisdom teeth.”
As these teeth grow in, they can sometimes grow against one another, causing overcrowding. This can lead to issues with your ability to chew food and can make your teeth crooked. Extracting teeth in this case can restore order to your mouth and avoid complications.
5. Relieve an Impacted Tooth
Sometimes crowded teeth become impacted, especially wisdom teeth that grow at the age of adolescence. When this happens, instead of growing through the gums, they turn inward, growing into the gums and into other teeth. This can cause severe pain and damage other teeth. Extraction is the only solution for this dental issue.
So, while it’s understandable to approach tooth extraction with apprehension, it’s important to appreciate the positive side of this misunderstood dental treatment. In the hands of skilled dentists, it can be a great help.
About the Author
Dr. George Keanna is a skilled dentist who utilizes the latest dental technology to provide optimal care for his patients. He strives to make his office a place where people can be free of anxiety. Dr. Keanna earned his dental degree from the Georgetown University School of Dentistry and has worked diligently since then to continue his education through multiple professional organizations. To schedule an appointment at Natural Dental Services, call (505) 292-8533 or visit the website to book online.