If you’re in the middle of an agonizing, throbbing toothache, it’s probably pretty easy to understand why your tooth needs to be extracted. However, many patients are surprised to learn that they need a tooth removed even though they are not feeling any pain. Here’s a brief guide to why tooth extraction may be necessary if your tooth doesn’t hurt as well as how the removal process works.
Reason #1: Horrible Pain Is Imminent
Tooth decay begins as a cavity, which is an infection in the enamel that will gradually eat away at your dental structure. If left untreated, the problem will spread until it reaches the pulp at the center of the tooth, resulting in miserable, throbbing pain. However, the dental enamel itself does not have any nerves, so pain may not be present even if tooth decay is severe. Extracting a tooth may be the best way to prevent an agonizing toothache as well as a host of other oral health problems that can arise from the infection.
Reason #2: The Nerve Endings in Your Tooth Are Dead
Once the harmful bacteria causing a cavity reach the pulp of your tooth, you will probably experience severe throbbing pain that can last for days. However, some patients may find that the pain goes away after some time has passed, and this may give them the impression that the problem went away on its own. Unfortunately, it is far more likely that the infection simply killed the nerves in the pulp, which prevents pain signals from reaching the brain. Extraction may be necessary at this point to prevent further damage.
How Are Tooth Extractions Performed?
Modern tooth extractions are rendered completely painless with local anesthetic treatments, and you will also receive detailed aftercare instructions to help you stay comfortable and keep your recovery complication-free afterward. Once the area being treated is numb, your dentist will lift the tooth from the gum tissue using a device called an elevator before gently working it loose from its connective tissue using forceps.
It’s best to replace a lost tooth quickly, so your dentist will probably recommend an appropriate restoration such as a denture, bridge, or dental implant for after your extraction. The best way to keep your healing process as smooth and brief as possible is to strictly adhere to your dentist’s aftercare instructions.
About the Author
Dr. Katherine Parét earned her dental degree at the Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and completed her residency at the VA Medical Center in Charleston. She is proud to serve as a member of the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the Maine Dental Association. Her office in South Portland offers preventive, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as extraction services. If you are concerned about your dental health, contact her online or dial her office at (207) 200-4106.