Do Wisdom Teeth Have to Be Removed?
To pull or not to pull — that’s the question. Most people have their wisdom teeth removed, but not everyone has to. Get the final answer about wisdom teeth extractions here.
No one wants to get a tooth pulled, but sometimes it’s necessary. If decay has overtaken a tooth or put neighboring teeth at risk, it’s best to extract it. Wisdom teeth are notorious for coming in at odd angles or refusing to push through the gums completely, and sometimes healthy teeth need to come out simply to make more room in a crowded environment.
Our expert dentists at OK Tooth help folks in and around Midtown Manhattan, New York, maintain optimal oral health and navigate their treatment options when problems arise. If your best path is a tooth extraction, we’re here to answer all of your questions, help you understand the procedure, and keep you comfortable from start to finish.
The first thing you should know about getting a tooth taken out is that the thought of it is much worse than the experience itself. Here are some of the surprising and encouraging benefits of a tooth extraction.
The main fear our patients express is that a tooth extraction is going to hurt. However, in most cases, you’re already in pain. If you have severe tooth decay that’s penetrated the roots and even your jawbone, the pain is only going to get worse. Removing the infected tooth eliminates the source of your pain so you can heal, recover, and live pain-free.
Tooth decay spreads quickly from one tooth to your gums and your other teeth, so if you ignore it, you may end up with more than one tooth extraction. Pulling one tooth now can save your other teeth by halting the spread of infection.
A tooth extraction protects your overall health by preventing the spread of harmful bacteria. If the infection from tooth decay and periodontitis (advanced gum disease) gets into your jaw and enters your bloodstream, you’re at risk for serious health conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Type 2 diabetes, and obesity, which in turn can lead to hypertension and heart disease.
You’ll feel no pain at all while sitting in our chair for a tooth extraction. We make sure your mouth and jaw are completely numb before we begin the procedure. We also take great care to avoid any unnecessary tissue damage to minimize post-extraction pain.
Once the local anesthetic wears off, you can expect to feel some discomfort and swelling, but a cool pack and some ibuprofen are usually enough to ease the symptoms. After a few days, the pain will be gone and you’ll feel better than you have since the onset of your tooth problem.
If your decaying tooth is discolored, chances are it’s causing some confidence issues. Even if the color is OK, the pain may keep you from smiling, talking, and laughing. That’s no way to live.
A tooth extraction eliminates the underlying cause of pain and discoloration, but it leaves behind a gap that can be just as troublesome. That’s why we offer dental implants, dental bridges, and dentures to fill the space, complete your smile, and prevent other teeth from shifting into the vacant space.
There’s no reason to fear a tooth extraction — especially when it comes with so many health and cosmetic benefits. If you have a problem tooth that can’t be saved with a root canal or orthodontics like Invisalign®, visit our experts at OK Tooth for a professional evaluation and a positive experience. Call or book online today.
