Although teeth extraction is a routine procedure, it is only done when necessary. This is because pulling your permanent teeth may damage the appearance and dental structure. A dentist will do a comprehensive dental assessment before recommending the extraction procedure.
In this blog we are going to provide information on reasons for tooth extraction, including decay, infection, and overcrowding. continue reading for the procedure and aftercare steps to ensure a successful recovery and protect your dental structure.
Reasons for Tooth Extraction
Several reasons may require you to get a tooth extraction, and they include:
- Impacted teeth : Wisdom teeth are the most affected as they usually come out between the ages of 17 and 25 when the jaw has attained maturity. This is because the jaw lacks enough space to hold the teeth, forcing them to either come out partially or get trapped underneath the gums. Some people, however, have all four wisdom teeth come out and fit properly. But, they still need monitoring to prevent the teeth from causing any dental problems. Impacted teeth cause discomfort and can weaken the surrounding teeth. Removing these teeth is paramount to preserving your dental health and structure.
- Dental overcrowding : Similar to the impacted teeth, having narrow jaws can cause the teeth to become crowded. This also affects the alignment of the teeth. Dentist will perform a tooth extraction to prepare the mouth for orthodontic treatment. The primary goal of the treatment is to align the teeth.
- Infection and dental decay : When you have tooth decay that extends to the pulp chamber, it can cause infection. Often, the dentist performs a root canal procedure to get rid of the infected pulp. However, if the infection has severely affected the teeth, tooth extraction is the most suitable treatment to prevent the spread of decay.
- Risk of infection : A dentist may recommend a tooth extraction if you risk infection in a particular tooth. Your teeth may also be removed if you have compromised immunity or are about to undergo an organ transplant.
- Periodontal disease : A gum infection can affect the gums causing them to recede and expose the roots. Furthermore, the disease can cause the teeth to loosen. The dentist will remove the teeth to prevent further damage to the teeth.
What Can You Expect During the Procedure?
The tooth extraction can be done in two ways—simple or surgical—depending on the location and the visibility of the teeth.
A simple extraction is done on the visible teeth, and the dentist will use an elevator to loosen the teeth and forceps to pull them from the socket. On the other hand, surgical extraction is reserved for impacted teeth underneath the gums. The dentist will make an incision on the gums to access the teeth, and she may need to remove the bone around them to pull them. At times, the teeth are cut into smaller pieces for easy removal.
How Painful is Getting a Tooth Pulled?
The tooth extraction procedure is not painful as the dentist will use local anesthesia to numb the gums. Dental sedation like IV or deep sedation may keep you calm and relaxed during the procedure.
What Can You Expect After the Procedure?
Pain, discomfort, gum soreness, and bleeding are some of the problems that may arise after the extraction procedure. A blood clot will form in the socket 24 hours after the teeth are removed to facilitate healing. Swelling may also occur, but it will clear within 48 hours.
It is vital to monitor your symptoms in the first week after the procedure and consult the dentist near you if you experience a high fever (a common sign of infection).
What Are the Dos and Don’ts After Tooth Extraction?
How you handle the gums will determine how fast they will heal. Eating soft foods for the first 48 hours is crucial as this gives the gums a rest. Do not drink using a straw to avoid breaking the blood clot, and don’t spit forcefully.
Book an Appointment with Dentist Near You
To find a dentist near you, you can start by searching online for dental clinics in your area. Look for websites that list local dentists and read reviews from other patients to get an idea of the quality of care provided by different practices. You can also check with your insurance provider to see which dentists in your area are covered by your plan. Once you’ve found a few options, you can contact the clinics directly to inquire about availability and schedule an appointment. If you are looking for an emergency dentist or need to find one quickly, you can use online directories such as Google Maps or Yelp to find the nearest dental clinic.