While getting a may seem daunting, there are many situations where the procedure offers significant health benefits. General dentists often only recommend removing a tooth when keeping it will do more harm than good. Tooth extraction may be necessary to improve overall oral health, alleviate discomfort, and prevent further complications. Here are five essential benefits of undergoing a tooth extraction.
1. Pain and discomfort relief
An immediate benefit of tooth extraction is pain relief. Teeth affected by severe decay, infection, or damage can cause significant discomfort. Removing a decayed or infected tooth relieves patients of prolonged toothache. When the source of pain is eliminated, the surrounding tissues can heal without the stress of inflammation.
2. Prevents the spread of infection
If an infection develops within a tooth and is not treated as soon as possible, it may spread to surrounding teeth, soft tissues, or the jawbone. Severe infections in the mouth may eventually enter the bloodstream, leading to further health issues throughout the body. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), oral infections have been linked to the following diseases:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Stroke
- Kidney disease
- Bacterial pneumonia
- Diabetes mellitus
- Osteoporosis
- Low birth weight or premature birth
- Cancer
Removing a tooth that cannot be effectively treated through root canal therapy or antibiotics can prevent the spread of infection. This proactive treatment can preserve overall health by eliminating the source of the infection.
3. Improved alignment of the teeth
For many people, crowded teeth present a challenge to maintaining proper dental hygiene and alignment. In some cases, a general dentist may recommend extracting one or more teeth to make room for better teeth alignment. Removing misaligned or crowded teeth provides space for other teeth to shift naturally. Tooth extraction can also help prepare the patient's mouth for orthodontic treatments. People with small jaws or crowded teeth may benefit from a planned tooth extraction to improve their smile's balance and function.
4. Reduced risk of damage to surrounding teeth
Wisdom teeth often grow at unusual angles or become impacted, which can put pressure on adjacent teeth. Over time, this pressure can cause misalignment or damage to the neighboring teeth. By removing an impacted tooth, the general dentist can prevent future complications that could affect surrounding teeth. This preventive measure helps keep the remaining teeth healthy and strong. It also prevents damage or decay from crowded or misaligned teeth.
5. Better oral hygiene habits
When teeth are overcrowded or misaligned, they can be harder to clean, leading to plaque buildup and an increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Removing a tooth that prevents good oral hygiene improves the effectiveness of daily brushing and flossing. With less crowding, patients can more easily maintain their oral hygiene, reducing the risk of future cavities and gum disease.
Schedule an appointment today
While tooth extraction may initially seem intimidating, it offers multiple health benefits. Do you need relief from a damaged, impacted, or infected tooth? Call our Beaumont office to schedule an appointment.
Request an appointment here: https://www.drleebeaumontdental.com or call Dr. Lee Beaumont Dental at (951) 575-2240 for an appointment in our Beaumont office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: .
Related Posts
A dentist might recommend root canal therapy or tooth extraction to treat an infected or badly damaged tooth. Factors like the severity of the infection and the tooth's location often determine how the dentist approaches treating a patient.Tooth extraction is the cheaper alternative, but it can end up costing more than root canal therapy if…
Tooth extraction is a procedure done to remove a damaged or potentially problematic tooth. Like every dental procedure, the wound created by the extraction process heals over time with proper care. The dentist will provide the necessary aftercare instructions to follow.Aside from using the recommended medications and resting adequately, there are certain things to avoid…
You can have an emergency dental visit with your general dentist. Knowing when you may need urgent dental care will prevent the dental problem from worsening. It will also relieve your pain and discomfort. If you want to know if you may need an emergency dental visit, here are the signs to watch out for.Persistent…
Teeth whitening has become a go-to cosmetic treatment for those looking to brighten their smile. With so many options available, it can be tough to choose the best one. Over-the-counter options can be convenient, but they have their drawbacks. Thankfully, professional teeth whitening treatments offered by dentists provide a safe, effective, and personalized way to…