Probably the only dental treatment more feared than a root canal is tooth extraction. Removing natural teeth is certainly not ideal. Dentists go so far as to consider it a last resort option.
“Gee,” you might be thinking, “thanks. I feel somuch better.”
But the fear surrounding root canals is largely caused by misconceptions and misinformation. They’re not as bad as they seem, and in some cases, neither are tooth extractions. In fact, they can even pave the way for dental improvements. Keep reading to learn more about surprising benefits of tooth extraction.
Alleviate Tooth Impaction
If you have a new tooth trying to grow in, but it’s blocked by another pearly white, it’s “impacted”. This kind of situation might be more common than you think – it’s often why wisdom teeth are removed. Besides causing discomfort, impacted teeth can also affect your alignment. In that sense, an extraction is sparing you from aches and future orthodontics.
Reduce Dental Crowding
Sometimes teeth are so crooked that they “crowd” together. Fixing alignment right away with braces or clear aligners isn’t always possible for patients with dental crowding. For them, the issue is so severe that their dentist has to create more room by removing a tooth or two. Once the orthodontics work their magic, patients are able to enjoy a more comfortable bite, easier chewing, and a straighter smile. All thanks to tooth extraction!
Save the Rest of Your Teeth
Even if the reason you need a tooth extraction is to remove an infection like gum disease, there’s a silver lining. You see, unlike other parts of your body, your teeth, gums, and jawbone can’t fight off infections on their own. They’ll spread throughout your whole mouth if you let them. Evicting one pearly white to save others from decay and eventual loss is well worth the price.
Make Way for Healthy Replacements
Whether you’re planning on getting dentures or dental implants, they’ll be needing oral support. Typically, this is a job for your gums and jawbone. However, if either of those two is compromised by, say, gum disease, they won’t be able to hold your prosthetics in place. Similar to the situation above, it would be in your best interest to let go of the diseased tooth and replace it with a healthier, more sustainable prosthetic.
See? Tooth extractions aren’t always the end of the world. On the contrary, sometimes a fresh start with an improved, healthier smile is only possible through dental removal. It’s still best to consult with your dentist, though. They’ll be able to tell you whether a tooth extraction is right for you with professional certainty.
About the Practice
Our highly qualified team at Oak Point Dental takes your oral health seriously. We’ll do everything we can to preserve your precious pearly whites, but if a tooth extraction is necessary, we’ll lay out the details and make sure you’re informed about your treatment options. After all, the best care is care that works for you and your unique needs. To schedule a consultation or talk with our team directly, call 972-727-4415. We’ll be happy to answer your questions!
