Losing an adult tooth is something we all hope to avoid. However, sometimes a tooth extraction is the best step to protect your overall oral health. At Chaffin Dental Care in Spokane, WA, Dr. Chris Chaffin and Dr. Topher Chaffin provide compassionate care, helping you understand when removing a tooth is necessary. Recognizing the warning signs can help you seek timely treatment and prevent further complications.
Here are some major indicators that you might need a tooth extraction.
Severe, Lingering Tooth Pain
A persistent, throbbing toothache that doesn’t go away is a significant red flag. While many things can cause tooth pain, intense discomfort can signal a deep infection or severe decay that has reached the tooth’s nerve. If a root canal isn’t enough to save the tooth, extraction may be the only way to find relief and stop the infection from spreading.
Signs of a Serious Infection
An abscess, or a pocket of pus, can form at the root of a tooth or in the gums beside it. This is a serious infection that can cause fever, facial swelling, a foul taste in your mouth, and swollen glands. An infected tooth that cannot be saved with treatment must be removed to prevent the infection from spreading to your jawbone and other parts of your body.
Overcrowding in Your Mouth
Sometimes, there simply isn’t enough room in your jaw for all your teeth to fit properly. This is known as overcrowding. It can prevent teeth from erupting correctly or push them out of alignment. An extraction might be recommended to create the space needed for orthodontic treatment, allowing your other teeth to move into their proper positions.
A Severely Damaged Tooth
A tooth that has suffered extensive damage from an injury or has a large crack that extends below the gum line often cannot be repaired. While crowns and fillings can fix minor to moderate damage, a severely compromised tooth may be too weak to save. In these cases, extracting the tooth and replacing it with a bridge or dental implant is often the most stable, long-term solution.
The Deal with Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the most commonly extracted teeth. They are the last to erupt, usually in the late teens or early twenties, and many people’s jaws are too small to accommodate them. This can lead to them becoming impacted—trapped beneath the gums—or growing in at an awkward angle. This can cause pain, damage to adjacent teeth, and infections.
At Chaffin Dental Care, Drs. Chris and Topher Chaffin are your trusted resource for gentle wisdom teeth removal in Spokane, WA. They carefully evaluate your situation and use modern techniques to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, don’t wait for the problem to get worse. Contact Chaffin Dental Care today to schedule a consultation with our experienced and caring team.
Chaffin Dental Care