Dental Extractions
dental extractions
WHY WOULD YOU NEED TO GET A TOOTH PULLED?
There are several reasons why you might need to have your tooth pulled.
Crowded Mouth: Often, prior to orthodontics a dentist will have extract teeth to prepare your mouth. The goal of orthodontics is to align your teeth and this is not always possible if your teeth are too big for your mouth. Crowding can also prevent new teeth from breaking through the gums.
Wisdom Teeth Removal: Often wisdom teeth removal is necessary because there is not enough room in your mouth. It is important to remove them if they are impacted, which means they may be stuck below your gums or they may grow at an odd angle preventing them from breaking through your gums.
Damage from Trauma or Decay: Sometimes if a tooth has too much damage, either from trauma or decay, it is unable to be repaired with other dental treatments.
Infection: If a tooth is severely infected it may need to be pulled so that the infection does not spread. In people who have compromised immune systems, such as someone receiving chemotherapy or an organ transplant, a tooth that may have a risk of becoming infected might be pulled to prevent infection.
Periodontal Disease: Sometimes the bones and tissue that surround and support your teeth can become infected. This is known as periodontal disease. If the infection causes teeth to loosen, it may be necessary to remove the loose tooth or teeth.
CAN YOU LEAVE A DEAD TOOTH IN YOUR MOUTH?
No. A dead tooth is full of bacteria that can spread to other teeth, your jawbone, and your gums, leading to the loss of more teeth, or even severe infection.
IS A TOOTH EXTRACTION PAINFUL?
The actual extraction should not be painful. You will be given a local anesthetic to numb the area, and occasionally general anesthesia will be used for more complicated extractions. You may feel pressure while the tooth is being manipulated and extracted, but you should not feel any pain.
WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS OF REMOVING A TOOTH?
You may experience soreness where the tooth was pulled. Any excessive bleeding, swelling, or redness where the tooth was removed should be reported to your dentist. Whenever a tooth is removed there is the possibility to develop something called dry socket, which is when the blood clot that should have formed after the extraction, either did not or it was dislodged, and the bone inside the socket where the tooth was pulled is exposed. This is generally very painful, but it is also very treatable and preventable. After your tooth is removed, you will receive specific instructions for home-care and ways to prevent dry socket.
IS THERE AN ALTERNATIVE TO A TOOTH EXTRACTION?
Unfortunately, in many cases, there are no alternatives to extraction. In cases of infection or decay, it may be possible to have a root canal instead of an extraction. However, generally, if it is recommended that your tooth be removed, it is because the tooth cannot be fixed with a root canal.
Finding out you need to have a tooth or teeth, removed is never something you want to hear from your dentist. We try to explore other options prior to extraction, but sometimes it is the only option. Soothing Dental will make sure your extraction is as easy and painless as possible. Schedule Your Next Dental Appointment
