In most cases, a tooth extraction is the last resort. A dentist will not ordinarily recommend this procedure if other options are viable. After all, living without teeth presents many challenges. This is an embarrassing condition that can affect a person’s self-esteem. Missing teeth can also make it difficult to eat and can increase your risk of developing infections. Still, there are cases when extracting a tooth is a good decision.
People can often avoid having to get a tooth extraction by practicing good oral hygiene. As soon as a child starts getting teeth, brushing at least twice a day is vital. This should happen with a soft-bristled brush and fluoride-based toothpaste. Doing this will help to prevent tooth decay and will strengthen the tooth enamel.
Also, flossing daily will remove food particles from the gumline and in between teeth. This keeps bacteria from building up and attacking the gums. As a result, there is less of a risk of having gum disease. This disease can inflame the gums and cause them to pull away from the teeth. Tooth loss can then follow.
Tooth decay is one of the most common conditions that dentists treat. For mild and moderate cavities, fillings can usually successfully treat the tooth. When the cavity is larger and reaches the center of the tooth (the pulp), a more extensive treatment is necessary. During a root canal, the dentist removes the pulp and cleans out the tooth. However, when the decay is so severe that infection has developed and spread, tooth extraction might make the most sense.
Trauma to the mouth and impact to the teeth can cause damage. A hard blow to the face or biting into an object can crack, chip, or fracture a tooth. The dentist can usually repair this with a crown or veneer. But if the damage is so profound that no treatment will be effective, the next step is to do a tooth extraction. This can free the patient of pain and discomfort.
Some people come to the dentist’s office seeking a solution for a crowded mouth. This can happen when teeth grow in at odd angles or if there are other alignment problems. Also, some people have smaller jaws that cannot accommodate all of their teeth. In this situation, pulling out a tooth or two can help provide more room for the teeth. This is often an important step before getting braces.
If the dentist can see that a yet-to-erupt tooth could damage another one, tooth extraction could be the right choice. The dentist would first take X-rays to determine whether to remove the tooth. If the tooth is not going to come in correctly, it could hit other teeth, causing pain or damage. Extractions in these scenarios often occur with wisdom teeth.
The dentist will examine the tooth and its surrounding gum tissue. Dental X-ray will show the extent of the tooth’s damage. Telling the dentist about the supplements and maintenance medications can help in the creation of the patient’s treatment plan. Once the patient’s information is complete, the dentist will talk to the patient about it. Sedation options, such as nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and IV sedation, will also be part of the treatment plan. The right one will depend on the patient’s anxiety level.
The dentist will numb the tooth and the gum tissue around it. Loosening the tooth will come next. Then, the dentist will lift the tooth up and out of its socket. In some cases, the dentist may need to slice through the gum tissue to reach the tooth. This can happen to impacted teeth with a severe fracture or decay.
The dentist will clean and disinfect the socket. Some patients may need a bone graft in the socket. This will prevent jawbone loss. Closing the gum tissue by stitching it can help it heal.
Placing a piece of sterile gauze over the socket will come next. The dentist will ask the patient to bite down on it. This will provide pressure that can help stop the bleeding. It also prevents dry sockets. The patient can remove the gauze once the bleeding has reduced. Light bleeding may occur a day after the extraction.
It may not be appealing to have a tooth extraction. The dentist will look at alternatives first to see if other treatments can solve the issue. Be aware of the cases when an extraction is the correct decision. If you have questions or concerns about it, talk to your dentist.
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