Even if you are experiencing severe tooth or gum pain, the thought of needing a tooth extracted, even if you know it will alleviate the pain, does not encourage peace of mind.
In these instances, diagnoses that require one tooth or multiple teeth to be pulled seems drastic enough to warrant avoiding the dentist completely. While our dentists understand the hesitation and even fear that this type of procedure cultivates in the minds of our patients, we want to speak on the two common reasons why tooth extractions are necessary and why that is not only good for oral health, but for quality of life as well.
The thought of getting a tooth extracted seems more terrifying than it actually is, especially to those who aren’t familiar with the procedure. But there are many reasons that contribute to why procedures like this are so imperative to overall physical and mental health:
Cause #1: Severe Infection
Periodontal, or gum, disease is becoming increasingly more common in elderly adults. Last year, it was recorded that over 70 percent of seniors developed some form of periodontal disease. As your gums pull away from your teeth, pockets form that easily collect bacteria, resulting in an infection. As this infection worsens, it begins breaking dow
n your tissue and the surrounding bone. If it gets to this point, your dentist will have no choice but to pull your tooth, which will remove the infection and prolong the state of your teeth and gums.
Cause #2: Tooth Decay
Only a dental professional can recognize the early signs of tooth decay. When caught early, a simple filling or crown will suffice to avert further decay. If left undiagnosed and untreated, pain will become so severe that it will disrupt daily functions such as eating and sleeping. At this level, the decay may have broken down such a significant portion of the tooth that fillings and crowns are no longer feasible – this is when tooth extractions are mandatory.
In addition to offering top quality tooth extractions to our elderly patients, we also offer free dental assessments and oral cancer screenings for all-around quality, comprehensive care! Contact Onsite Dentists Of Texas for more information.