We’ve all been there. That moment when a professional (in any field) recommends a procedure to address an issue that doesn’t seem to be causing a problem. Whether it’s an auto mechanic recommending costly preventative maintenance, an electronics store suggesting an extended warranty, or an oral surgeon advising you to have your wisdom teeth extracted, it can be tough to prioritize the choices that need to be made now.
There’s one thing to remember, however. When the recommendation is the advice of a dental or medical professional, it is important to take heed. For your health, trust the experts that understand the long-term effects of your current health condition.
If you are considering postponing the decision to have your wisdom teeth extracted or the decision to have a missing tooth replaced with a dental implant, take a moment to consider the consequences.
When a wisdom tooth needs to be extracted, the recommendation may be based on information that your oral surgeon has gathered from an x-ray or a clinical exam. If the tooth poses a foreseeable risk to your overall health or to the neighboring teeth, an extraction is the most common treatment alternative. Even if the tooth is not causing immediate pain, it may be contributing to irreversible damage such as chronic infection, tooth decay, or bone loss.
Even without pain, a chronic infection can create complications if you also suffer from diabetes or heart disease. If the offending tooth is contributing to bone loss or tooth decay, the damage can lead to the premature loss of the adjacent teeth.
Often, pain is the last indication that a wisdom tooth has become problematic, and it is your oral surgeon’s responsibility to diagnose and recommend treatment as soon as possible in order to prevent a serious health emergency.
We understand that the hesitation to schedule a tooth extraction can be influenced by financial concerns or dental phobias. Still, we care about your health and we want to ensure that you understand the need for certain dental procedures. To discuss your concerns, or to schedule your much needed appointment, we invite you to contact the Charlottesville VA office Dr. Carlos Rafael Ibañez at 434-295-0911 today.