Does a Tooth Still Need Extraction If it Feels Fine?

I have a tooth that is infected. A month ago, my dentist suggested that I have it extracted, but he couldn't do it right then. He started me on a ten day course of antibiotics. That helped tremendously. In fact, the tooth still feels fine a month later. I have an appointment to extract the tooth in a little over two weeks. Do I still need to get rid of the tooth if it is not hurting me?

Elaine

Dear Elaine,

I'm very glad you wrote. You will still need to have this tooth extracted. While antibiotics will help, and did for you, that is only temporary. The infection will return and a bit stronger than before. The only way to get rid of a tooth infection is to physically remove the infected pulp in the tooth. Ideally, you'd get a root canal treatment so that the tooth could be saved. If that is not possible, then a tooth extraction will be necessary.

I don't like how your dentist has handled this. The standard procedure is to treat the tooth while you are still on antibiotics. If he couldn't treat you in that time, he should have extended your antibiotic prescription until after the treatment is scheduled. You want the infection under control before having this tooth extracted. If it is not, not only will the procedure be more risky, but it will also make it harder for the Novocaine to work. If your tooth starts hurting at all, you need to call him and get a refill on that prescription. Don't put that off. Tooth infections are serious.

Also, why isn't he doing a root canal treatment instead of an extraction to save your tooth? If you do get an extraction, I hope he mentioned that you will need to replace the tooth.

Disclaimer: This article is general information from Dr. Harveer Kaur and is not a substitute for a dental exam, diagnosis, or treatment. Every mouth is different. If you have a concern about your teeth or gums, call our Ahwatukee office at (480) 283-0733 or our Chandler office at (480) 895-3252 and we will help you sort it out.

Dr. Harveer Kaur, DDS, BDS

Dr. Kaur is the founder of Kokopelli Dentistry, serving patients in Ahwatukee and Chandler, Arizona. She focuses on family and cosmetic dentistry.

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