Sometimes, getting a tooth pulled is a necessary part of maintaining dental health—especially in cases where leaving the tooth in question could pose an array of other (often much more serious) health concerns.

Here are five reasons you should get a tooth extraction.

Impacted Tooth

Impaction occurs when the growth of one tooth pushes directly against another. The tooth is susceptible to infection, causing red, swollen, tender, or bleeding gums. Typically, the culprit for this condition is the wisdom teeth.

Tooth Decay

The build-up of tartar and plaque causes tooth decay. If the condition gets bad enough, an infection can develop, causing intense pain, swelling, and redness. Once a tooth reaches this point, it may be necessary to completely remove the tooth and replace it with a dental bridge to avoid further health concerns.

Periodontal or Gum Disease

Similar to tooth decay, periodontal and gum disease is often caused by the build-up of plaque and tartar on the teeth. If the integrity of the bone or gum around the tooth deteriorates too much, then it may be necessary to remove the tooth in favor of a dental bridge or dental crown to preserve the surrounding teeth.

Trauma

Sometimes, an accident causes a tooth to become too damaged to save. When this is the case, tooth extraction is a necessary part of the recovery process. Otherwise, a damaged tooth could become severely infected and eventually require a procedure like a root canal that can be just as painful.

Overcrowding

Aside from pain, tooth impaction can also cause overcrowding of the teeth, which can further cause otherwise straight and well-aligned smiles to become crooked. Removing the problematic teeth in the back of the mouth can open up free space for the rest of the teeth to spread out as needed, preserving your straight smile without the need for braces.

Schedule a Visit to the Dentist

It’s important to remember that your dentist will attempt every other remedy possible before deciding to remove your tooth. In some cases, the only way to protect your mouth is to remove the tooth entirely. Learn more by scheduling an appointment today.