3 Signs You Need a Tooth Extraction

Many patients avoid going to a dentist due to fear or financial concerns. Because of this avoidance, patients may need extensive dental treatment when they finally go for care. Cavities only get larger over time, so decay that once needed a filling may now need a root canal or extraction. Dental extractions can help patients get out of pain, though, making them a useful treatment. Consider these three signs you may need a tooth extracted.

1. Pain When Eating

Everyone should be able to enjoy food, but a decayed tooth can make that impossible. When a cavity gets into the nerve of a tooth, it can cause extreme sensitivity when chewing anything hard. The tooth may also be sensitive to both hot and cold. The dentist will likely present multiple treatment options to save the tooth, but a tooth extraction Happy Valley Oregon may be necessary.

2. Swelling of Gums or Face

Any swelling of the face or gums should be addressed by a dentist immediately. Swelling in the mouth can be very dangerous if left untreated. An infected tooth can cause an abscess, which is a pocket of infection. The dentist can remove the tooth to eliminate the infection, which helps reduce the inflammation.

3. Broken Tooth

A broken tooth is not only an esthetic concern, but it can also be a source of pain. When a patient breaks a tooth, they should contact a dentist immediately. The dentist may be able to salvage the tooth with a filling, root canal, or crown, but in some cases, an extraction is inevitable. Patients should discuss all options with a dentist before moving forward with treatment.

When patients are well-informed about dental procedures, they do not have to feel as much fear. If you are needing a tooth extracted, contact a dentist today to get this necessary procedure scheduled.