When a tooth extraction is recommended, it’s usually because the tooth is too damaged, decayed, or infected to be saved. While the thought of having a tooth removed might be intimidating, delaying the procedure can likely make the situation worse.

Understanding the risks associated with delaying a tooth extraction can help you make an informed decision about your dental care.

In this blog post, the Gander Smiles Dentistry team will explore why extractions are sometimes necessary, what happens when they are put off for too long, and why acting quickly can protect your long-term oral health.

Why Are Tooth Extractions Necessary?

Tooth extractions are typically recommended when a tooth is beyond repair. This can happen for several reasons, including:

• Severe decay: When a cavity is too deep to be restored with a filling or crown, removing the tooth may be the only option to prevent infection from spreading.
• Gum disease: Advanced gum disease can cause teeth to become loose, making extraction necessary to protect the surrounding teeth and bone structure.
• Impacted wisdom teeth: When wisdom teeth don’t have enough room to grow properly, they can cause pain, swelling, and misalignment of nearby teeth.
• Dental trauma: A tooth that has been severely broken or fractured may not be salvageable, requiring extraction to avoid further damage.

A timely extraction can prevent these problems from escalating, but delaying the procedure can have serious consequences.

Risks of Delaying a Tooth Extraction

Risk 1: Increased Pain and Discomfort

One of the most immediate risks of postponing a necessary tooth extraction is prolonging pain. If a tooth is infected or severely damaged, it can cause persistent or worsening discomfort. Pain might start off as mild sensitivity but can quickly escalate to sharp or throbbing pain, especially when eating or drinking.

In some cases, OTC pain relievers may temporarily ease discomfort, but they do not address underlying issues. The longer an extraction is delayed, the more intense and unbearable the pain can become.

Risk 2: Spread of Infection

A decayed or infected tooth doesn’t just affect itself. It can also spread bacteria to nearby teeth, gums, and even the jawbone. This can result in dental abscesses, which are painful pockets of pus that develop due to bacterial infection.

An untreated abscess can cause severe swelling, fever, and difficulty swallowing or breathing, requiring emergency treatment. And in extreme cases, the infection can enter the bloodstream, leading to a condition known as sepsis, which is life-threatening.

Extracting a problematic tooth before the infection spreads is crucial for preventing these serious health risks.

Risk 3: Damage to Surrounding Teeth

When a problematic tooth is left in place, it can cause damage to the surrounding teeth. A severely decayed or fractured tooth can put pressure on neighboring teeth, leading to cracks or increased wear.

Additionally, an infected tooth can contribute to bone loss in the jaw, weakening the support for other teeth. This can lead to more tooth loss over time, requiring more complex dental procedures such as implants or bridges to restore function.

Risk 4: Gum Disease and Bone Loss

Delaying a tooth extraction can contribute to the progression of periodontal disease (gum disease). When bacteria from a damaged or infected tooth spread to the gums, they can cause inflammation, gum recession, and bone deterioration.

Once the jawbone begins to break down due to untreated infection or gum disease, it becomes more challenging to replace the missing tooth with a dental implant in the future. Bone loss can also alter the shape of the face, leading to a sunken appearance that affects overall aesthetics and function.

Risk 5: Increased Treatment Complexity and Costs

Postponing a tooth extraction can lead to more extensive and costly dental procedures down the road. A simple extraction can turn into a more complicated surgical procedure if the tooth becomes more severely infected, breaks further, or affects the surrounding bone.

Additionally, if an untreated tooth causes widespread damage or bone loss, additional treatments such as bone grafting, root canals, or orthodontic correction may be required. These procedures are more invasive and expensive than an early extraction, making it more beneficial to address the issue as soon as possible.

Risk 6: Misalignment of Teeth

When a tooth needs to be removed but isn’t extracted in time, it can lead to misalignment issues. The remaining teeth may shift into the empty space, causing bite problems and crooked teeth. This misalignment can result in difficulty chewing, jaw pain, and even the need for braces or orthodontic treatment in the future.

This issue is especially common with wisdom teeth. When they are impacted or don’t have enough space to emerge properly, they can push against other teeth, leading to crowding or bite irregularities. Extracting wisdom teeth before they cause problems can prevent these complications.

Taking Action: Don’t Delay Your Tooth Extraction

If your dentist has recommended a tooth extraction, it’s important to follow through as soon as possible. While the idea of having a tooth removed may not be pleasant, it is often the best way to prevent pain, infection, and long-term complications.

Thankfully, modern dental techniques and anesthesia make the procedure comfortable and virtually painless.

After the extraction, your dentist will provide instructions for aftercare to help with healing. Depending on the location of the removed tooth, they may also discuss tooth replacement options such as dental implants, bridges, or dentures.

The key to avoiding serious dental complications is acting early. If you’re experiencing tooth pain, swelling, or sensitivity, don’t wait until the problem worsens.

Tooth Extractions at Gander Smiles Dentistry

At Gander Smiles Dentistry, we understand that the thought of a tooth extraction can be stressful. That’s why we prioritize patient comfort and provide expert care to ensure a smooth, pain-free experience. Our team uses the latest dental technology and techniques to safely remove problematic teeth while minimizing discomfort and recovery time.

If you’ve been told you need a tooth extraction, or if you’re experiencing ongoing tooth pain, don’t wait until it turns into a serious problem. Schedule an appointment at Gander Smiles Dentistry today.