My dentist recommended an extraction.  What if I do nothing?

Chronically infected teeth that have been recommended for removal can become acutely inflamed, resulting in severe pain, swelling and numbness.

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If the tooth that has been recommended for removal is infected, and the infection is not treated (either through tooth removal or root canal treatment) the infection can spread and become life threatening.

Infections of the upper teeth can ascend into the brain. Infections that cause swelling into the oropharynx can ultimately prevent air from reaching the lungs (suffocation). Infections can also spread along fascial planes of the neck toward the heart, lungs, and other organs with potentially grim implications.

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If tooth removal has been recommended for orthodontic reasons, and the advice is not followed, a compromised orthodontic treatment outcome may result.