No one wants to hear that they have to have a tooth removed. Even dentists consider tooth extractions to be a last resort option! However, losing a pearly white in this way isn’t all bad. This treatment can actually offer several benefits, so take heart; there’s a silver lining when it comes to tooth extractions. Keep reading to learn more – and to feel reassured about your upcoming appointment.
Pain Relief
The very first thing you might notice after your tooth extraction is that any related oral pain you had will be gone. After all, your dentist just removed the problem! That’s not to say you won’t be sore for a couple of weeks after your treatment, but many patients say the discomfort they had before the extraction was far worse. In the long run, you’ll feel much more comfortable.
Restoring Your Oral Health
Dentists typically only recommend a tooth extraction when your oral health is at significant risk. Maybe a deep infection is threatening to spread to your other teeth, for example, or maybe your pearly white is severely damaged and dangerous. Whatever the case may be, removing the problem from your smile is, in many cases, exactly what you need to restore your oral health.
Making Room for Orthodontics
Are you considering braces or clear aligners? If so, a tooth extraction can relieve dental crowding and enable you to straighten your smile. Sometimes teeth can be so crooked or “squished” together that there’s no room for orthodontics to work effectively. Removing a tooth or two can solve this issue, and you’ll likely also have a more comfortable bite as a result!
Taking Care of Wisdom Teeth
It is possible for patients to grow-in their wisdom teeth without complications. However, most people either don’t have enough space in their mouth to accommodate these third molars, or at risk of developing impaction. Both of these scenarios can be painful or even risk infection, so many times, wisdom teeth are more trouble than they’re worth!
If you hear that you need a tooth extraction, rest assured that your dentist isn’t making that call lightly. This treatment will likely benefit you in the long run, whether it’s by relieving pain, nipping a complex problem in the bud, or enabling you to receive other treatments. Trust that there’s a silver lining, and know that your dental team will take good care of you!
About the Author
Dr. Michitti had plenty of dental problems as a child, so he can empathize with patients who need extractions or other restorative treatments. As a “Top 1% Dentist” who has achieved Mastership status in the Academy of General Dentistry, you can trust Dr. Michitti to provide quality treatment and excellent dental care. To contact the office with questions about tooth extractions or other oral concerns, call 413-786-4400.