Tooth pain is never something to ignore, even when it is minor. If you have a tooth that hurts enough to disrupt normal activities such as eating, you may need a tooth extraction.
While sinus pain symptoms can manifest as toothaches, localized tooth pain when you are not ill is likely a decay problem.
Here are four telltale signs that might you need a tooth extraction.
1. You Have a Gum Infection
If you are dealing with symptoms of gum disease, whether you have received a diagnosis or not, you may need to get an extraction.
Symptoms of gum disease include visual signs such as inflammation and redness. Even gentle brushing and flossing may cause pain or bleeding.
Gum infections often spread to the roots of your teeth and cause them to decay. If you have received a professional diagnosis in the past or exhibit any symptoms of periodontitis, visit a qualified dentist immediately. Any overly damaged teeth will require extractions to prevent the infection from spreading further.
2. One or More Teeth Are Loose
As an adult, you should not be dealing with loose teeth. If you can wiggle any of your teeth, you should see a dentist to treat the issue and find out if you need to undergo an extraction.
Past injuries or gum disease are common causes of loose teeth in adults. Teeth that are too damaged from infections or injuries may no longer have viable roots. If your tooth roots have died, you will need an extraction.
3. Pain is Impacting Your Wellbeing
By the time your tooth hurts enough to distract you from working, enjoying fun activities, or chewing comfortably, the damage is likely to be advanced.
Cavities are often painless in the early stages. By the time even slight pain manifests, you may have had tooth decay for a while without knowing it.
Decay starts attacking the protective outer enamel and eventually makes its way through dentin until it reaches the pulp. Blood vessels and nerves are present in the center of the tooth and become extremely painful when decay travels to the pulp.
4. You Have Fractured a Tooth Before
If you have ever injured a tooth before, you may have unknowingly suffered permanent damage to it.
When a tooth injury stops hurting after a while, it is tempting to skip a visit to the dentist's office. Yet tooth trauma can lead to fractures that eventually damage the affected tooth severely enough to cause it to die.
If your injured tooth hurts or feels loose, you may need to have it removed.
Tooth decay prevention is always the best way to keep your smile healthy. To protect your teeth, stick to your daily oral hygiene routine and visit a qualified dentist at least twice a year for cleanings to catch health issues early. Tooth decay may be treatable if it is still in the early stages.
If you are dealing with any tooth pain or discomfort, visit a trusted oral health professional to tackle the issue as soon as possible.
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