What Does Dental Extraction Mean?

Dental extraction simply means removing an infected, decayed, or impacted tooth through the help of a dental professional. Tooth extraction is often the last resort after all other treatments have failed. If you are not sure about this procedure, this blog is for you. We will discuss pretty much everything you need to know about tooth extraction to help you make an informed decision.

When Tooth Extraction Becomes Necessary

Sometimes, tooth extraction is inevitable. Some of the situations when your dentist may recommend extractions include:

Crowded Mouth

When you have more teeth than your jaw can take, your teeth will seem crowded. This will affect the alignment of your teeth, which will, in turn, affect your smile. For cosmetic purposes, your dentist might recommend the safe removal of a few teeth to make space for perfect teeth alignment after orthodontic treatment. We are here for you if you are looking for tooth extraction near you.

Dental Infection

An infected tooth can be saved through root canal therapy. However, if the treatment fails, the tooth will have to be extracted to prevent the infection from spreading to the surrounding teeth.

Gum Disease

Gum disease is the leading cause of extractions, and it is because most people don’t realize they are suffering from it until it is too late. The infection affects the bone and the surrounding gum tissue, which leads to the loosening of the affected tooth. In time, the tooth can fall off. If the infection is so severe that it can’t be treated, the dentist will have to extract it to prevent further spread.

Tooth Decay

Typically, tooth decay can be treated through fillings and crowns. However, if the decay is too deep, extracting the tooth and replacing it with an implant or bridge might be the only option.

Baby Teeth Not Falling On Time

Typically, baby teeth should fall to be replaced with permanent teeth. Most children don’t have a problem with that. However, some have to go to the dentist when the baby teeth don’t fall on their own. Failure to that, the permanent teeth will grow underneath the baby teeth, affecting your child’s smile.

Wisdom Teeth Complications

Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars that often develop in the late teen years. These teeth don’t play a huge role in your chewing or smile. Due to their location in the mouth, they are usually hard to reach while brushing, which increases the risk of developing decay and infections.

Also, some develop impacted wisdom teeth, which can be quite painful. That’s why we often recommend wisdom tooth extractions, especially if they are causing trouble.

Types of Extractions

There are two types of extractions, and the right one for you will depend on the condition of the affected tooth.

• Simple extraction: This approach simply involves the extraction of a visible tooth using forceps.
• Surgical extraction: This approach involves surgery, and it is always used for impacted teeth. Typically, the surgical approach is conducted by an oral surgeon, although there are some dentists allowed to conduct surgical extractions.

Tooth Extraction Preparation

Talk to your dentist prior to the extraction to book an appointment and to confirm a few things, including charges and time of arrival. If your extraction will involve surgery, carry your medical history with you.

Also, be sure to inform your dentist about any medications you might be taking. Finally, go with someone to drive you home after the procedure since the anesthesia may affect your concentration.

Aftercare

The tooth extraction procedure is often fast and painless, thanks to sedation. However, after the sedation wears out, you can expect some discomfort. These tips will help you alleviate pain and manage the other discomforts:

• Don’t drink with a straw during the first two days after the procedure.
• Don’t brush your teeth during the first 24 hours after the extraction to avoid disturbing the extraction site.
• Brush your teeth normally after 24 hours but avoid disturbing the extraction site.
• Take the painkillers and antibiotics provided by the dentist.
• Avoid doing strenuous work during the first 72 hours. Don’t even make crucial decisions during this time.
• Avoid eating hard foods and instead, take soft foods such as ice cream and mashed potatoes.
• Rinse your mouth with warm salt water every morning for at least two weeks to accelerate your recovery speed.

Summit Woods Dental

Book an appointment at our dental clinic and let us help you. You can count on our experience in all dental procedures, including extractions, implants, crowns, and more.