Tooth extractions are performed for many reasons such as advanced decay, severe sensitivity, irreparable injury, or the mouth simply not having enough room to accommodate more teeth. While it can be alarming to learn that you need an extraction, it can be especially surprising if you are not experiencing any oral pain at that moment. Here’s a brief guide to why tooth extraction may be necessary even if no pain is present.
Severe Pain May Be Imminent
Dental cavities represent infections of a tooth’s protective enamel layer, and they can go undetected for quite a long time since the enamel does not have any nerves to send pain signals. However, tooth decay such as cavities will only get worse if left untreated, and a dental infection that isn’t giving you any pain now is almost certain to start causing misery if allowed to progress. In some cases, a tooth can become decayed beyond saving even if no pain is present, which makes extraction necessary to prevent further injury and infection.
The Infection May Have Already Killed the Nerves in Your Tooth
If you have been suffering with an agonizing toothache lately, you may be quite surprised if it suddenly disappears on its own. While this may make it seem like your troubles are over, it is far more likely that it means that the infection has killed the nerve endings in the pulp of your tooth. Without these nerves, your tooth will be unable to send pain signals to the brain, which can make it seem like the problem has gone away. Such a severely infected tooth may need to be extracted to preserve your oral health.
How Are Tooth Extractions Performed?
Your dentist will only recommend tooth extraction if it is the best way to keep you healthy, and they will only do so after ruling out all other options during a thorough oral examination. The extraction process begins with your dentist administering an appropriate anesthetic to render the process painless, and you may also receive a sedation treatment if necessary. They will then raise the tooth from the gum tissue with a device called an elevator before gently working it loose from its connective tissues with forceps.
The best way to ensure your comfort and a smooth recovery process after tooth extraction is to strictly comply with your dentist’s aftercare instructions. Removing a troublesome tooth is often the best way to keep your mouth healthy and preserve the rest of your smile.
About the Practice
Blue Coast Dental Group provides the community of Torrance with outstanding oral healthcare services. Led by Drs. Sanaz Hamzehpour, George Cho, Maria Galvan, and Pedram Marhabi, the staff treats each patient with remarkable courtesy and excellent customer service. Areas of expertise include general, emergency, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry such as tooth extractions. To learn more about why tooth extractions can be necessary, contact the office online or dial (310) 424-3100.