A tooth may need extraction if it is infected, damaged, or severely decayed. ‘Rufe Snow Dental Group’ will examine your affected tooth and recommend the best dental solution for your case. If a tooth is beyond repair, with a crown or dental filling, tooth extraction is the solution. Dentists thoroughly examine your teeth, gums, and mouth before deciding on an extraction.
Good oral health and hygiene can help you keep your natural teeth for a lifetime, but there are times when dentists recommend tooth extraction as the only option. This happens when there is no other way to save your tooth, and to avoid further dental or health issues is to extract the tooth. Dentists aim to preserve all your teeth, but if extraction is unavoidable, they ensure that the teeth extraction procedure will be as painless as possible.
7 Reasons you may need a tooth extraction
- An irreparably damaged tooth should no longer remain in the mouth. When tooth decay reaches the tooth center, a root canal procedure may treat the infection, or an extraction is necessary to prevent it from spreading. Delaying its extraction will only worsen the condition, which may lead to other health issues.
- If periodontal disease is left untreated, it may result in tooth loosening. In such a case, tooth extraction is necessary.
- When the gums have not fully erupted, for the tooth to come out, as is the case of wisdom teeth. Dentists may recommend the extraction of the impacted teeth. When there is not enough space for the wisdom teeth to erupt, they may grow sideways and damage other teeth. Extraction of an impacted tooth lowers the risk of gum infection, overcrowding, tooth decay, and jaw pain.
- After an accident, the patient may need dental treatment. Dentists always aim to preserve the teeth. Applying dental bonding, crowns, bridges, or veneers is recommended. But, if the dental damage is beyond repair, tooth extraction is the solution.
- When baby teeth (milk teeth)prevent permanent teeth from coming out, tooth extraction is needed.
- Teeth extraction may be necessary for aesthetic purposes. The extraction of one or more teeth is needed for proper teeth alignment.
- When the patients have to undergo orthodontic treatment and there is no room for the teeth to move for a better alignment. Teeth extractions are necessary to create space for straitening the teeth and allow them to move into a place with braces.
What does a tooth extraction procedure involve?
There are two types of tooth extractions: simple and surgical extraction. It depends on whether the tooth is visible or impacted.
A simple extraction occurs when the tooth is visible and above the gum line. This procedure involves a local anesthetic to numb the extraction area. The dentist makes sure that the area is completely numb before they loosen the tooth and remove it from the socket using forceps.
A surgical extraction is performed when a tooth is difficult to reach, has not fully erupted, or when it broke under the gum line.
This procedure is more complicated because the dentist may perform a small incision into the gum or bone to extract the tooth. In such a case, patients can ask for a general anesthetic, also known as ‘sleep dentistry’ The patient will be asleep during the whole procedure and thus will not feel any pain. Such a surgical extraction may be necessary when removing impacted wisdom teeth.
Getting ready for a tooth extraction
- Before any dental treatments, dentists discuss with patients any concerns or medical conditions they need to know about. It is crucial to inform dentists about your medical history regarding some health conditions: diabetes, heart, thyroid, liver, renal disease, hypertension, artificial joint, or weak immune system.
- When the day comes, make sure you are feeling fine. In case of flu, a bad cold, or feeling sick, it may be better to postpone the appointment.
- In the case of general anesthesia, you will need to arrange for a lift back home, as you should not be driving.
- If you are a smoker, restrain from smoking before and after the tooth extraction.
Everything you need to know after a tooth extraction
Your dentist will explain what to expect and what you can do after a tooth extraction. It is vital to follow the instructions for quick and proper healing.
- You should bite down on a gauze pad for a few minutes after the extraction to stop the bleeding, but if it persists, contact your dentist immediately.
- You can place an ice pack on your cheeks for some minutes and repeat it a few times to reduce swelling.
- Do not use a straw, mouth wash or spit for the first 24 hours for a blood clot to form. You can rinse gently, with salt water after the extraction to keep the area clean.
- Eat only soft foods for a few days, and avoid smoking and strenuous exercise or work for 2-3 days.
- Your dentist may prescribe some medication for pain, discomfort, and inflammation. It is important to take this medication as prescribed by your dentist.
Everyone wishes to preserve their permanent teeth for a lifetime. Unfortunately, teeth extraction may be unavoidable. Rufe Snow Dental Group is highly-qualified and aims to save your natural teeth, but if that is not possible, we ensure that the extraction procedure will be as painless as possible.
