Extracting a Tooth That Doesn’t Hurt

Every tooth is invaluable to your dental health, confidence, and quality of life. Your teeth can last for a lifetime with the right care at home and visiting your dentist regularly. Your dentist strives to preserve each tooth, but extractions are necessary in certain situations. Here are a few reasons why your dentist may recommend extraction, even if your tooth doesn’t hurt.

Reasons to Extract a Tooth

Losing even a single tooth can have significant effects on your dental health and self-esteem. However, sometimes the benefits of removing a tooth are greater than the potential risks, like in cases involving:

• Tooth Decay: Severe decay or cavities affecting below the gum line can make a tooth unsalvageable.
• Infections: An infection deep within a tooth can cause it to die with no treatment. Although infections are leading causes of toothaches, you won’t have any pain if your tooth has died.
• Gum Disease: Gum disease destroys the supporting structures of your teeth, ultimately leading to tooth loss.
• Overcrowding: Overcrowded teeth are difficult to keep clean, increasing your risk of cavities and gum disease. It’s not uncommon to extract teeth before getting braces to make more room in your mouth.
• Denture Prep: It can be more cost-effective to remove teeth and replace them with dentures than to repair them.

Types of Tooth Extractions

There are two types of tooth extractions:

• Simple Extraction: A simple extraction is needed when a tooth is fully visible above the gum line.
• Surgical Extraction: A surgical extraction is required when a tooth is partially or fully hidden below the gum tissue, such as in cases of impaction.

Replacing a Lost Tooth

Not all extracted teeth need to be replaced, like when removed for orthodontics or dentures. Your dentist will explain if it’s best to replace your tooth. You have many options to fill the gap, including:

• Dental Bridge: All-ceramic materials are used to recreate the portion of a tooth visible above the gum line. It is held in place by bonding dental crowns to the adjacent teeth.
• Dental Implant: A titanium post is surgically inserted into the jawbone to serve as a new root. An apartment is placed on the post to connect a custom-made restoration.

Your dentist will create a personalized plan to achieve your best smile.

About Dr. Brad McConnell

Dr. McConnell earned his dental degree at Baylor College of Dentistry and has regularly pursued continuing education to provide up-to-date services. He strives to help each patient achieve a healthy, beautiful smile. Dr. McConnell is affiliated with many professional organizations, including the American Dental Association. Request an appointment online or call (817) 765-6457.