5 Benefits of a Tooth Extraction

While getting a tooth extraction 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 Anchorage office to schedule an appointment.

Request an appointment here: https://alaskaadvanceddentistry.com or call Alaska Advanced Dentistry at (907) 522-3633 for an appointment in our Anchorage office.

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