12 Ways Tooth Extractions Improve Your Overall Health

  Mar 20, 2024
Reviewed by Geeta Singh

Tooth extraction and an aesthetic implant

While dentists strive to save natural teeth whenever possible, there are situations when extraction becomes necessary. Although the thought of purposefully getting them removed might sound daunting, it has several positive effects on your overall health.

It plays a crucial role in maintaining good oral health. It’s a standard dental procedure in which a tooth is removed from its socket in the jawbone. 

Here are some situations that may call for these procedures:

  • When a tooth is extensively decayed and cannot be restored through procedures like fillings or root canal therapy
  • When advanced periodontal disease causes loose teeth that are beyond repair.
  • When it fails to fully emerge through the gums due to a lack of space or an improper eruption angle (impacted tooth)
  • When they start to overcrowd or misalign
  • When teeth suffer from a severe fracture or damage that is beyond repair

If you think you’re a good candidate for tooth extractions, consult your dentist for a proper examination. 

Wondering how an extraction can help improve your overall health and well-being? You’re on the right page. Here are twelve ways it can be beneficial:

It Relieves Pain

Severe decay, infection, or trauma can lead to excruciating toothaches. You may find relief after taking oral anti-inflammatory pain relievers like ibuprofen and naproxen. 

However, the relief these oral medications provide won’t last long. Why? Because the source of pain isn’t addressed. Such cases may require an extraction.

It can help eliminate the root cause of the pain, providing real, lasting relief. Removing the affected tooth allows you to finally find comfort and freedom from persistent dental discomfort that no oral pain relievers can treat.

It Helps Prevent Infections

Infected teeth can be a breeding ground for bacteria, leading to oral infections. If left untreated, these infections can spread to other areas of the mouth, face, or even the bloodstream, posing a severe risk to your overall health. 

It can help stop the infection from getting worse. This prevents the spread of harmful bacteria and minimizes the risk of systemic disease.

It Alleviates Advanced Gum Disease

Advanced gum disease, also known as periodontitis, occurs when gingivitis (gum inflammation) is untreated or not adequately managed. It refers to the inflammation and infection of the gums, destruction of the supporting structures, and potential losses.

In some cases, advanced gum disease may require these procedures. By removing the affected tooth, the dentist can address the root cause of the infection and prevent the condition from worsening. This helps stop the spread of bacteria to other areas and promotes healthier gums.

It Corrects Malocclusion

Malocclusion refers to a misalignment of the teeth, which can affect your bite and overall dental health. It’s a common dental condition that can affect both children and adults and may range from mild to severe cases.

Sometimes, such procedures are necessary to create space and allow for orthodontic treatment, such as braces. By extracting overcrowded or misaligned teeth, orthodontists can align the remaining teeth properly, improving the bite and overall oral health.

It Eliminates Wisdom Tooth Problems

Wisdom teeth, or third molars, often emerge during late adolescence or early adulthood, around 16-24 years old. Due to limited space in the mouth, these teeth may come out at an improper angle, become impacted, or fail to fully emerge. 

Extracting wisdom teeth can help prevent complications, such as infections, cysts, and damage to adjacent teeth. This can help you avoid potential future oral health issues.

It Helps Reduce The Risk Of Tooth Damage

Extraction may be the best solution when a tooth is severely damaged, such as in cases of advanced decay or trauma. 

Extracting a severely affected one can reduces the risk of further damage and potential infection. Also, it allows the dentist to create space for a prosthetic replacement, ensuring proper oral function and aesthetics.

It Helps Prevent Sinus Problems

Upper molars close to the sinuses may cause issues when they become infected or develop cysts. When this happens, your dentist may recommend this procedure to treat your condition.

In such cases, it may help to eliminate the problem and alleviate sinus pain, pressure, and congestion. This allows you to improve and maintain your overall respiratory health.

It Improves Digestive Health

We can never comment on the necessity of chewing as an essential part of the digestive process. In case of missing teeth or decay at its severe stage, makes chewing difficult and can continue to cause poor digestion and many nutritional deficiencies. 

Additionally, the tooth extractions are followed by the replacements like dental implants or dentures which can restore chewing function to improve complete digestive health. It further reduces the risk of development of digestion issues. 

It Boosts Confidence And Self-Esteem

When tooth loss occurs in the visible areas it does impact on self-esteem and the self-confidence. But, if you undergo either a replacement or an extraction you will be able to regain that complete and aesthetically pleasing smile. This consecutively restores our confidence in our appearance and positively impacts our mental well-being and social interaction. 

It Prevents Jawbone Loss

It is a fact that whenever there is a tooth loss it deteriorates the jawbone because of lack of stimulation which is also called bone resorption. It can further weaken the jaw and might compromise your facial structure. 

The dental implants followed after such procedures help prevent future bone loss. 

Be sure to visit The Point Dental to find out more about dental implants.

It Helps Reduce Chronic Inflammation

Abscesses or chronic dental infections can trigger systematic inflammation throughout the whole body. It is closely linked to the enhanced risk of various health concerns like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancers. 

When an extraction is done, it eliminates the possibility of having such things by removing the root cause. 

It Improves Overall Quality Of Life

When oral health concerns are addressed through extractions it further enhances the quality of life. prevention of infections, relief from pain, better oral functions, reduced risk of systematic health problems and enhanced self-confidence all elevates overall fitness and wellness. 

Takeaways

 Teeth after extraction and implant

Tooth extractions, though often seen as a last resort, can come in handy in improving your overall health. Whether it’s pain relief, prevention of infections, or enhanced confidence, it offers numerous benefits. 

If you’re facing the possibility of such a procedure, discuss it thoroughly with your dentist to understand the potential impact on your oral health and overall well-being. Remember, maintaining good oral health is vital to a healthier life.




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