posted byMuse Dental GroupNovember 10, 2020
If you have been feeling prolonged pain or need teeth removed prior to orthodontic treatment, you may need a tooth extraction.
Trust us, the tooth extraction process is a lot less scary than it sounds and most patients admit to little or no pain!
If you are wondering if you need a tooth extraction or are interested in learned more about what to expert, in this article, we are going to be discussing:
There are a number of reasons for tooth extraction , but in this article, we are going to talk about some common reasons for needing a tooth extracted, or removed.
The first case in which a tooth extraction is necessary is in cases of severe tooth decay. If this decay is neglected and left untreated, it can eat through the enamel of the tooth, also wearing through the dentin. If the tooth is not removed, the infection can spread throughout the mouth.
Additionally, at this point, it is unlikely for the tooth to be restored, and will therefore need to be removed.
Another case in which teeth are extracted is if the patient is suffering from gum disease, also known as periodontitis. If the infection spreads, it can wear through the surrounding structures, meaning teeth can easily come loose.
If this happens, it is wise for your dentist to extract the tooth and treat the infection.
Additionally, teeth are often extracted for cosmetic reasons. For example, if your teeth are overcrowded and room needs to be made for other teeth to align correctly, tooth extraction may be necessary. Sometimes, baby teeth never fall out or they need to be removed prior to orthodontic treatment.
Another reason for tooth extraction is if teeth are impacted, or have yet to erupt from the gums, such as wisdom teeth. These teeth can emerge and shift other teeth in the mouth or can cause a great amount of pain.
However, wisdom teeth extraction is much more complex, as it involves surgically removing the teeth.
Finally, if a tooth is broken near the gums, due to impact or injury, the tooth will need to be extracted. This tooth cannot be easily restored and would therefore need to be removed and replaced by an implant.
Now, we know that getting a tooth pulled might sound intimidating, but we are here to clarify the process!
Surprisingly, tooth extraction is not painful because your dentist will numb the area with a local anesthetic. While the numbing injection may be uncomfortable, you will not feel the tooth being pulled.
Once the area has been numbed, your dentist will use a dental elevator that goes between the tooth and the bone so that the dentist can remove the tooth from the ligament.
Then your dentist will use forceps to rotate the tooth and remove it from the tooth socket.
After the extraction, it is essential that you take care of the area. Put gauze over the extraction site to help stop the bleeding and ice the area to prevent swelling.
It is also important to avoid smoking and do not rinse, brush, or floss for 24 hours after the procedure.
Once your tooth has been extracted, you may be concerned about having a missing tooth and how this affects the aesthetics of your smile.
But don’t worry, there are many options available for permanently and temporarily replacing teeth so that your smile looks as good as before!
The most permanent and strongest option is getting an implant. Dental implants have high success rates and are extremely durable, meaning you can eat normally without worrying about the implant falling out.
However, implants are a surgical procedure that can be costly. This involves placing a titanium post into the bone, to which the tooth is secured.
Another option for tooth replacement is a bridge, which involves anchoring a prosthetic tooth to the other existing teeth in the mouth.
A bridge will not only help restore your smile, but it will also keep other teeth from shifting into the open space. However, bridges may come loose and need to be replaced over time.
Additionally, if multiple teeth were extracted and implants are too costly, your dentist may recommend partial dentures. Not only are partial dentures easy to use, but they are also one of the cheapest options for replacing missing teeth.
Similar to partial dentures are flippers, which also can be removed from the mouth. The best way to describe a flipper is a retainer with a tooth attracted to it. It is molded to your mouth so that it fits perfectly between existing teeth.
If you have been feeling prolonged pain, it is important to visit your dentist, as you may need a tooth extracted.
At Muse Dental, we will ensure you have comfortable experience and a pain-free extraction.
We’d love to have you for a checkup at Muse Dental Group with Dr. G. Bardakjian. He will evaluate your oral health and will ensure your extraction is done with the utmost care.
Your smile is in great hands at Muse Dental Group! Schedule your appointment with us today !
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