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Tooth Extraction 101: Everything You Need to Know

Jul 01, 2020

Tooth extraction is the surgical removal of teeth from the socket in the bone.

Although tooth extraction is regularly done, we usually do it as a last resort if the teeth are irreparable. Certain factors such as severe caries and loss of substance, broken teeth as a result of impingement, and abscessed teeth that are not treatable with a root canal treatment can severely damage the teeth.

When is Tooth Extraction Recommended?

Several factors can cause irreversible change on teeth, and they include:

  • Severely damaged teeth due to decay or trauma. A denth2al filling, root canal, and dental crowns are the recommended treatment of choice, but in advanced decay, the treatments may fail, and an extraction is done.
  • Impacted teeth. When you have insufficient space in the mouth, the teeth may emerge partially or get impacted. Furthermore, they may be positioned improperly, causing pain and discomfort. Impacted teeth can also cause the jaw bone to become weak, and they need to be removed to ease the pain.
  • Periodontal disease may weaken the teeth and cause bone loss. Tooth removal may be recommended to stop the bone loss and further weakening of the teeth.
  • Mouth overcrowding. Our dentist can remove excess teeth in preparation for orthodontia (the teeth alignment procedure).
  • Primary teeth that did not fall out on time

What is the Tooth Extraction Procedure?

Two types of teeth extraction are done– simple and surgical. Simple teeth extraction is done on visible teeth while the surgical extraction is done for teeth that are entrapped beneath the gums, such as impacted wisdom teeth. Our dentist will help you on how to choose the right extraction procedure correctly.

The teeth removal procedure is done in a few steps:

  • Before extracting a tooth, the dentist will numb the gums and surrounding tissues with local anesthesia. Dental sedation can also be used for complex procedures such as impacted wisdom teeth. This general anesthetic will relax you and make the procedure bearable.
  • The dentist will cut the gum and bone tissue that covers the tooth. He will then grasp the tooth using forceps and gently move it back and forth to loosen it from the ligament with the jawbone.
  • The gums may be stitched to aid in healing if a surgical extraction is done.

Bleeding after teeth removal is natural. Usually, a blood clot forms in the cavity left behind from the tooth. The dentist places a gauze pad in the dental hole to stop the bleeding.

What to Expect During and After the Tooth Extraction Procedure?

Tooth extraction healing takes a few days, but how you take care of your gum will affect the healing time.

  • Take the dentist prescribed the painkillers
  • Bite the gauze pad or use a teabag to stop the bleeding
  • Do not dislodge the blood clot because it facilitates healing. Breaking the blood clot will cause a dry socket, which is painful and causes bad breath.
  • Use an ice bag immediately after extracting a tooth for 10 minutes to stop swelling.
  • Do not rinse the mouth or brush forcefully
  • Rest and limit the activities for the next two days. Also, avoid consuming hard, spicy, and chewy foods to facilitate healing. Instead, eat soft foods such as soup, mashed potatoes, yogurt, etc.

After extraction, you will have missing teeth that are unsightly and detrimental to your health. It is important to talk to our dentist in Roswell, GA, about restorative dental treatments such as bridges and implants. Remember, if you leave the gaps unfilled, the bone will deteriorate and weaken the dental structure. Furthermore, the remaining teeth will start to shift to the available spaces, affecting the bite, and make it difficult to chew.

Dental bridges and implants are great replacement options that can help preserve your oral health. Implants, however, prevent further bone loss and maintain your dental structure.

Schedule an Appointment

If you have severe tooth sensitivity, gum tenderness, and swelling, visit Shenk Dental care. Dr. Judd Shenk will assess your dental structure and recommend a suitable tooth extraction procedure.

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