Ask a Dentist: Should I Wait to Get a Tooth Extraction?

Tooth Extraction Pasadena, CA

You may be wondering if you need to get a tooth extraction, or you may be feeling apprehensive about it. Luckily, tooth extraction is a safe procedure. Often, it is imperative to remove the tooth as quickly as possible. However, as long as the damaged tooth is promptly removed, the adverse effects are mitigated. We will review common reasons to get teeth pulled and why it is important not to wait too long. It’s essential to consult with your dentist to review your options and ensure this is the best option.           

Reasons to get a tooth pulled

If tooth decay or damage is so extensive that it reaches the pulp or blood-vessel-containing center of the tooth, infection is a distinct possibility. Root canals and antibiotics can potentially be used as treatments, but very severe infections require extractions. For immunocompromised individuals, infection risk is higher, and therefore damage might not need to be as extensive to merit pulling out the tooth.

Overcrowding of the mouth is another common reason to get teeth pulled. If your teeth are so crowded that new ones cannot emerge from your gums, or if your orthodontist recommends it to align your teeth properly, then it may be necessary. Overcrowded teeth may also be a precursor to infection. Wisdom teeth commonly cause this.

Sometimes periodontal disease, or gum disease, is an issue. This is an infection in the surrounding tissue and can loosen teeth, in which case they may need to be extracted.

The problems that arise with waiting

If you need a tooth extraction and you wait too long, you could experience a lot of unnecessary pain and hardship. Infections that can be fixed with extractions, such as abscessed wisdom teeth, can be excruciating and can decrease your quality of life, sometimes even leading to difficulties eating and drinking. A poor diet can result from this. Infections also have the potential to spread throughout the body and enter the bloodstream. If this happens, it can lead to fevers and headaches, and a hazardous condition called sepsis. 

If your teeth are too crowded, particularly your wisdom teeth, they can trap bits of food and cause infection and gingivitis. Overcrowded teeth could also cause other teeth to shift, which could necessitate future dental work. In a worst-case scenario, teeth can break or have their pulps damaged, and a cyst can form.

If you’re dealing with gum disease, then it’s vital to get loose teeth pulled quickly. As the tissue and bone around the teeth erode and loosen, you lose the ability to properly replace the teeth with implants, as implants need strong bones to support them.

However, there is no need to panic; as long as you get your teeth pulled in a timely fashion and don’t let problems worsen, you can avoid the worst-case scenarios and keep your mouth as healthy as possible.

Request an appointment here: https://www.dentalcarepasadena.com or call Karrie Chu DDS Dental Care at (626) 472-2189 for an appointment in our Pasadena office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Tooth Extraction in Pasadena, CA.

Recent Posts

How Long Is Recovery After A Wisdom Tooth Extraction?

Preparing for a wisdom tooth extraction? The procedure often sparks fear in patients because it does involve pulling teeth. However, it is important to know that modern-day technology has allowed for the evolution of better techniques, which reduce pain and recovery time. Nonetheless, it is still important to be familiar with the recovery time and…

Signs To Consider Wisdom Tooth Extractions

A wisdom tooth extraction is often necessary in order to eliminate accompanying symptoms. Many individuals experience the eruption of their wisdom teeth and never notice the signs. However, there are also a lot of cases in which the wisdom teeth present noticeable symptoms that can be used to identify eruption. Teenagers and young adults should…

What Are The Most Popular Methods Of Replacing A Missing Tooth?

If you have a missing tooth, you may feel a lot of embarrassment. It is possible that you wish to avoid smiling or even being around other people. There can be health effects of missing a tooth too. It is difficult to eat when you have lost a tooth. You do not have to live…

Emergency Dentistry: Tooth Pain And Fever

A toothache occurs when one or more of your teeth have been damaged, and it might be a sign that emergency dentist is needed. Toothaches are sometimes accompanied by a fever, and that is often a sign of an infection in or around a tooth.A dental infection is a serious health issue because the infection…

Recent Posts

Why Choose Implant Supported Dentures?

Why Choose Implant Supported Dentures?

Dental restorative procedures like implant supported dentures can be a solution to partial or complete teeth loss. No one wants to lose a tooth, but you may experience it due to situations beyond control. In addition to transforming your smile, the procedure can boost your self-esteem and have your teeth functioning fully in no time.An…

Caring For Your Dental Crown: Tips For Long Term Maintenance

Caring For Your Dental Crown: Tips For Long-Term Maintenance

A dental crown can protect the remaining dental structure. It can restore and protect the natural tooth. Maintaining this restoration can help keep your smile intact for a long time. Here are some care tips for your new dental crown.Specific foods can damage a dental crown. Some raw fruits and vegetables are firm and hard.…