How to Know If You Need a Tooth Extraction

Dentists always try to protect natural teeth if possible, but there are certain situations when extractions are the best treatment. Here’s what to watch for:

Severe toothache

Severe tooth pain can mean you have an infection. In cases where root canal therapy isn’t an option or is not successful, a tooth extraction will be necessary. Watch for symptoms like increased sensitivity, tooth pain, gum pain, and pain when you bite down. Infections can also cause strong throbbing pain that comes and goes, but gets progressively worse. The pain might spread to your ear, jaw, and even your neck.

Receding gums & loose teeth

Gum disease is the #1 cause of adult tooth loss and is best treated early. In its early stages, your gums can feel tender, look abnormally red and puffy, and bleed easily. You may also have bad breath. Your gums will recede as gum disease gets worse. This will decrease the support of your teeth, until eventually your teeth become loose. If we can’t improve your gum health and save your teeth, we’ll need to extract them.

Jaw pain

Jaw pain can be a warning sign of tooth and gum infections, TMJ dysfunction, or nighttime teeth grinding and clenching. It can also be associated with tooth crowding. If your teeth crowd too close together, they can rub and grind against each other, causing pain and stiffness in your jaw. Orthodontic treatment or a tooth extraction may help resolve this issue. Impacted teeth, which are teeth that don’t fully erupt, can also cause jaw pain. Wisdom teeth often become impacted if there is not enough room in the mouth for them to properly emerge.

Gentle Tooth extractions in Shoreline, WA

The thought of a tooth extraction can feel scary, but our team is here to make the experience be as comfortable as possible. We’ll provide all the information you need beforehand, as well as tips on how to recover quickly. After extraction, we can also discuss tooth replacement options like implants or dentures.

If you have any questions about extractions or want to schedule a consultation with Dr. Jones, please contact us today!

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Categorized in: Restorative Dentistry