If your dentist has ever recommended extraction for a tooth that isn’t causing you any pain, your first instinct was probably to push back. It’s a reasonable reaction. After all, if something doesn’t hurt, why fix it? The truth is that pain is actually a poor indicator of the state of your smile. In fact, some of the most serious problems in the mouth develop without any discomfort at all. Here’s why your dentist might still recommend a tooth extraction.