The Truth About Dental Extractions - Everything You Need to Know

While removing a tooth isn’t fun, sometimes it’s unavoidable. Thanks to advanced medical technology, tooth extractions are now easy and straightforward. Fortunately, after a tooth extraction procedure, there are affordable tooth replacement options to choose from.

If you have a damaged or infected tooth that is beyond repair, visit your dentist for a dental exam. Your dentist will review your dental condition and schedule an appointment for a tooth extraction procedure if it is necessary.

For simple cases, the dentist can remove the tooth during the first visit. For complicated extraction procedures, an oral surgeon is required to complete the procedure. Brookline Oral Surgery Group offers both simple and surgical tooth extractions.

You may need a tooth extraction if you have:

1. Damaged teeth

If you have a damaged, broken, or cracked tooth that your dentist determines is beyond repair, you can have it extracted.

2. Periodontal disease

While periodontal disease is avoidable through good oral hygiene, it can still happen. The disease develops when bacteria and food particles build up underneath the gums, causing gum disease. If not treated in a timely manner, the gum disease develops to periodontitis.

With periodontitis, the gum tissue and bone surrounding the tooth are affected. This condition can loosen the teeth and potentially lead to tooth loss. If you have periodontal disease, you should consult with your dentist to determine if your tooth can be saved or not.

3. Tooth decay

If diagnosed early, tooth decay can be treated with a dental filling, crown, or root canal treatment. However, severe cases of tooth decay may require your tooth to be extracted.

4. Crowded teeth

Sometimes you may have a tooth growing on top or into another tooth. In such a case, your dentist may extract the tooth to reduce overcrowding. If you have a smaller jaw that cannot fit all of your teeth properly, your dentist may recommend a tooth extraction.

5. A baby tooth blocking an adult tooth

If a babytooth doesn’t fall out naturally in time, the dentist may remove it to give way to the incoming adult tooth. Not removing the baby tooth can lead to dental problems. For instance, it can block your adult tooth from growing properly, which can lead to overcrowding.

6. To make room for a dental procedure

On some occasions, your dentist may have to extract a tooth to create room for specific dental treatments such as dentures, dental implants, and orthodontic treatments.

Is a Tooth Extraction Painful?

Usually, there are two types of tooth extraction: simple extractionand surgical extraction.

For a simple extraction, the extraction procedure is easier. It involves removing a damaged tooth that is visible and has already erupted into the mouth. Recovery is also short and straightforward.

For a surgical extraction, the procedure is more complex and involves extracting a damaged tooth still attached to the gums and jawbone. For this procedure, an oral surgeon must perform a minor surgery around the tooth area to remove the tooth.

During both procedures, the dentist will numb you with anesthetics to ensure you do not feel any pain. However, after the anesthetic wears off, you may feel some slight discomfort. The level of discomfort can vary from one person to the other. Patients who undergo a simple extraction typically feel less discomfort than those who undergo a surgical extraction.

Post Tooth Extraction

After the procedure, your dentist may prescribe painkillers to help manage the discomfort and antibiotics to prevent infections. In addition, your dentist will provide aftercare instructions that you must follow for faster recovery and healing.

Your dentist may also schedule a follow-up appointment to check up on your healing. Call or visit your dentist immediately if you experience any severe pain or discomfort.

Following the procedure, you should consult with your dentist on the best tooth replacement procedure to take. Replacing your teeth, either with a denture, bridge, or implant, will prevent further problems.

Aside from causing other dental problems, a missing tooth can change your facial appearance, lower your self-confidence, and inhibit your ability to chew and speak properly.

If you think you may need a tooth extraction, contact Brookline Oral Surgery Group today.