If a decayed tooth isn’t treated in time, it can lead to serious problems such as infections, abscesses, and damage to nearby teeth or jawbone. This can lead to numbness to your lip, chin, and tongue.
Treating tooth decay early can help avoid these issues. However, if the damage becomes severe, tooth extraction may be necessary to protect your overall oral health.
At Topeka Oral Surgery, we provide safe and effective tooth extractions to remove decayed teeth and prevent further complications. Many of our patients choose dental implants after an extraction to restore their smile and enjoy both functional and aesthetic benefits.
What Happens If Tooth Decay Is Left Untreated?
Infection Spread
A decayed tooth allows bacteria to reach deeper layers, including the tooth pulp, where nerves and blood vessels are located. This can result in a painful abscess that might spread to nearby teeth, gums, or jawbone. In severe cases, the infection can enter the bloodstream and impact your overall health.
Tooth Loss
As decay progresses, it weakens the tooth, increasing the chance of breakage. If the tooth becomes too damaged for repair, extraction may be the only option. Tooth loss can lead to issues like misaligned teeth and loss of jawbone density.
Risks to Overall Health
Untreated dental infections can also affect your general health, potentially contributing to conditions like heart disease, diabetes complications, and respiratory infections. This makes addressing tooth decay vital for both oral and overall health.
Signs You Might Need a Tooth Extraction
Here are some common signs that your tooth may need to be removed:
Severe and ongoing tooth pain
Swelling or pus near the tooth
A bad taste or odor in your mouth
Cracked or heavily damaged teeth
If you notice these symptoms, it’s important to seek professional care. At Topeka Oral Surgery, our skilled oral surgeons will assess your situation and recommend the best treatment to relieve your discomfort and protect your oral health.
Replacing a Decayed Tooth
After a tooth is removed, replacing it is crucial to maintain your smile and prevent problems like shifting teeth or bone loss. Dental implants are an excellent solution, functioning like natural teeth and helping to preserve your jawbone. Most often we will place a bone graft into the extraction site and after 3-4 months of healing we will then place a dental implant.
Our team at Topeka Oral Surgery will evaluate your oral health and determine if dental implants are the right option for you. These implants provide a durable, long-term solution that restores your smile and full oral function. Implants will last > 20 years.
If you’re worried about a decayed tooth or think you may need an extraction, reach out to us today. At Topeka Oral Surgery, we’re committed to offering personalized care to help you achieve a healthy, confident smile.
