No one wants to have a tooth pulled. Unlike lobsters, your body isn’t going to be regrowing anything that you’ve lost. Obviously, the best plan is to take care of the teeth you have, so no tooth extraction in Scottsdale, AZ is ever necessary. Still, even the best plans go awry sometimes, in which case, you might end up in a situation where a tooth extraction is your best bet. Here are some signs that you might end up in that boat.

Severe Tooth Pain

Is a heating pad or ice pack your new best friend? Persistent, intense tooth pain is a common indicator that something is wrong. In some cases, the tooth may be too decayed or damaged to be saved, and extraction may be necessary to prevent further complications and alleviate the pain.

Extensive Tooth Decay or Damage

When decay reaches deep into the tooth’s pulp, causing irreversible damage, other treatments may no longer be effective. In these cases, removing the tooth can prevent the infection from spreading to neighboring teeth or the jawbone.

Gum Disease

Periodontitis can cause significant damage to the gums and the bone supporting your teeth. If a tooth becomes loose due to extensive bone loss or gum recession, extraction may be necessary to preserve your oral health and prevent the progression of the disease. At this point, you may even be thankful that you can finally wave goodbye to the problematic tooth!

Overcrowding

You might just have too many teeth for your mouth, too. Extracting one or more teeth can create the space needed for proper alignment, helping to achieve a straighter smile.

Impacted or Infected Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth are commonly removed when they become impacted or cause infection. Impacted teeth can lead to swelling, pain, and damage to neighboring teeth. If a wisdom tooth is unable to fully emerge from the gum, extraction may be necessary to avoid these complications.

If you’re experiencing any of these signs, don’t delay the inevitable. You might not be able to regrow your tooth like a gecko regrows its tail, but there are restorative treatments available. Consult with your periodontist in Scottsdale, AZ to determine if a tooth extraction is the best option for your dental health.