Do You Have Tooth Pain?

When we detect oral conditions early, we can often repair a tooth rather than extracting it. This is why maintaining twice-yearly dental appointments and having teeth cleanings every six months is so necessary and strongly recommended by the American Dental Association. At Salem Dental, we find that patients who adhere to these recommendations have a significantly decreased risk for necessary dental extractions.

Decay and periodontal disease are often painless until they are advanced and more challenging to treat, which puts you at risk for a necessary extraction or extractions

Common reasons for an extraction or extractions include:

• Advanced infection in the tooth or bone—this can compromise your teeth and your systemic health.
• A split or severely fractured tooth.
• An unsuccessful root canal treatment.
• Problematic wisdom teeth—these teeth often encroach on surrounding teeth, come in last, and are not needed.
• Orthodontic extractions—extractions prior to orthodontic work or to make sure a smaller jaw can accommodate your teeth.
• A tooth broken at the gumline.
• Removal prior to dentures or partials.

Often, patients come to us with a painful tooth and request an extraction. We only recommend extractions as a last resort or to resolve an issue. In many cases, root canal therapy, dental crowns, and gum treatments provide a less costly solution. However, the decision to remove a tooth is ultimately yours.

When an extraction is necessary, you can count on our Salem Dental team to ensure the best possible outcome for your health and to make the best recommendations to rebuild your smile.