If a weed sprouts in the middle of a flourishing garden, wouldn’t you pull it? It’s always better to remove the problem before it spreads and affects the rest of your gorgeous flowers.  The same thought process can be applied to your smile.

When a tooth’s health begins to decline for any reason, sometimes the best decision you and your dentist can make for the health of your smile is to complete a tooth extraction. Tooth extractions are only performed when absolutely necessary.

Let’s explore why your dentist may recommend a tooth extraction in Florence and why you ultimately shouldn’t be nervous if this option is presented to you.

How can a tooth extraction save the rest of my smile?

A dentist’s job is ultimately to keep and save your natural teeth, optimizing your oral health. There are some cases where an extraction is necessary to preserve the health of the rest of your smile.

The tooth is extremely damaged.

Pulling your natural teeth becomes a very real possibility if tooth decay is prominent throughout a tooth. The point of removing the tooth is to ensure that the damage doesn’t continue to spread to your neighboring teeth. Even a tooth that could be damaged from a chip or crack and leave your surrounded teeth and gums susceptible to infection or even future tooth loss.

Teeth become overcrowded.

When teeth develop incorrectly, they could be deemed useless or distracting to the rest of your smile. If teeth are too big to fit within the mouth as they’re supposed to, they may block other teeth from growing into their correct places as well. When a tooth is pulled, it may allow more room for your natural teeth to grow into their correct positions.

The tooth is extremely infected.

When a tooth is infected and not treated in a timely manner, the infection can spread below the gum line. If the pulp of your tooth becomes infected, it can easily spread to your other natural teeth. Normally, your dentist would recommend a root canal if caught in time. There are some cases that the damage has become too far gone for even a root canal to save your teeth. That’s when you may be presented with the idea of a tooth extraction.

What You Need to Know Before a Tooth Extraction

Tooth extractions are only completed with the safety and health of your overall smile in mind. This is the last option to be explored because ultimately, dentists are here to help you keep your natural teeth. Before you move forward with getting a tooth extraction, communicate with your dentist these things:

• Your complete medical history.
• Medications or supplements your currently take.
• History of heart issues or man-made heart valves.
• Impaired immune system.
• Liver disease
• Artificial joint.
• History of bacterial endocarditis.

Meet Our Dentist

Are your teeth bothering you or causing you unusual tooth pain? If you need help addressing dental pain, Dr. Danny Nakhla has the expertise and resources to make even a tooth extraction a positive dental experience. Reach out to Independence Family Dentistry to get in contact with your emergency dentist in Florence by dialing (859) 356-200.