Do You Need a Tooth Extraction?

Dental pain can be surprisingly severe, even for small problems. This is because the teeth are rich in nerve endings. When a tooth becomes damaged or infected and those nerve endings are compromised, extreme pain can follow. A single tooth can cause enough debilitating pain that you are unable to eat, sleep, or work. It can become an emergency situation and a tooth extraction might be necessary.

Extracting teeth is usually a last resort. Tooth loss can cause its own problems, including loss of jawbone density and the shifting of nearby teeth. Here are some ways to know if you may need a tooth extraction and where you can find quality dental care.

Extreme Jaw Pain

Extreme pain in your jaw that you are not able to get much relief from, even with over-the-counter pain medications, may be caused by an abscessed tooth that needs to be extracted.

Your entire jaw may ache or throb. This will usually be more severe on the side of the problematic tooth. However, it is not uncommon for pain to be present on both sides. Your jaw may also feel stiff or you may have difficulty opening and closing your mouth. It’s also common for this pain to intensify exponentially when you are chewing or if you bite down.

Swollen Gums In Only a Small Area

An abscessed or infected tooth can cause your gums to swell significantly around the infected area, but this usually will only be localized swelling in the gum area just above one or two teeth. If the gums above your back teeth are swollen, this may be difficult to see visually, but you may feel the swelling with your tongue or when eating or brushing your teeth. The swelling may or may not be accompanied by pain.

Periodontitis

Periodontitis, also known as gum disease, is caused by an overgrowth of bacteria in the mouth, particularly underneath the gum line at the roots of the teeth. This bacteria can enter the teeth, causing an abscess or an infection of the pulp of the teeth. If you have any of the symptoms on this list or other concerning dental symptoms along with a history of gum disease or periodontitis, this could be an indication that you have a serious infection that requires a root canal or tooth extraction.

Broken Tooth

In many cases, broken teeth are simply cosmetic and easy enough to repair. A crown or composite resin filling material can be used to repair a broken tooth that has become painful or is at risk of developing a cavity or cutting the inside of the lips or cheeks.

However, sometimes a broken tooth cannot be repaired and must be removed. This is usually the case when a person has become injured and the tooth hasn’t broken as much as it has shattered into tiny pieces.

Overcrowding

Sometimes, it is not an injury or an infection that results in the need for a tooth extraction. You may also need to have one or more teeth removed if you are experiencing overcrowding. This means you have more teeth in your mouth than you have room for. Your dentist will determine if braces or clear dental aligners can be used alone to straighten your teeth or if you also need to have a tooth removed to make space for the teeth that will shift during orthodontic treatment.

Contact Us To Learn More About Tooth Extraction

Our periodontist will conduct a thorough examination with x-rays to determine the best course of action. We will plan treatment for you designed to relieve your pain as quickly as possible. Call Vero Implants & Periodontics today to book your appointment by dialing (772) 569-9700.