Dentists often perform a tooth extraction. Most of the time, they will explore treatment options to see if they can preserve the tooth without pulling it. But there are some instances when it becomes necessary to extract a tooth. By necessary, it means it will need to be done in order to protect your dental health or to improve it.
Common Reasons for Tooth Extractions
There are a few reasons when it becomes necessary to pull a tooth. One of the most common reasons is when preparing for orthodontic treatments. Before an orthodontist places braces or starts aligners, it may be necessary to remove one or more teeth. This can allow enough room for the remaining teeth to move and adjust to proper alignment. Wisdom teeth that become impacted are another common reason for tooth extraction. It’s very common for the back of the mouth to lack the room needed for wisdom teeth to emerge fully. They are often extracted to prevent them from becoming impacted or infected.
Other reasons why a Conway, NH dentist may recommend a tooth extraction include a tooth that is too damaged to be repaired. This can happen when there is an accident that causes trauma to the mouth. Sometimes a sports injury damages a tooth. If it cannot be properly repaired, the dentist may remove it. Lastly, if a tooth becomes overcome with decay it may need to be pulled if it cannot be repaired. Please note that if a tooth is removed because of decay, an abscess, or damage, your Conway dental team can offer tooth replacement options. You may be a good candidate for dental implants, partial dentures, or a dental bridge.
Types of Tooth Extractions
The reason a tooth needs to be removed will determine the extraction method. Dentists use either a simple or a surgical extraction procedure. If you deal with a lot of dental anxiety, you may also be administered anti-anxiety medication to help you during the procedure. Here is what you can expect from either method.
Simple Tooth Extraction
If the tooth to be removed is visible in the mouth, a dentist can use a simple tooth extraction method. This is commonly used if a tooth is damaged or decayed. It is also the choice if teeth that are already in place are removed to make room for adjustments with braces or aligners. You’ll be given local anesthesia to deaden the area before the extraction. Afterward, over-the-counter pain medications can be used to help you manage any pain you may experience.
Surgical Tooth Extraction
For teeth that are not visible in the mouth, surgical tooth extraction is used. This is commonly used for removing wisdom teeth or teeth that have broken off and are no longer visible. The patient is given general anesthesia when teeth are removed by surgical procedure. After the teeth have been removed, the dentist usually provides a prescription for medication which can be used to help control and manage any pain and discomfort.
What to Expect After the Procedure
After the dental professional removes a tooth, they will give you specific instructions that need to be followed carefully. They will give you guidelines for your oral care and for eating. They will probably look at lot like these tips:
- Consume Soft Foods: For a couple of hours, or until the anesthesia wears off, you will probably just need to drink liquids. Later, you’ll want to limit your intake to soft foods. Normally, eating soft foods for a few days gives your mouth adequate time to heal.
- Oral Care: For the first day after you have the procedure, you will probably be instructed to not brush teeth directly next to the area where the tooth was removed. You can continue to brush your other teeth. Two days after the extraction, it’s usually okay to return to your normal oral hygiene care routine.
Contact Us at Eastern Slope Dental
If you have any questions about a tooth that is bothering, please schedule an exam with either Dr. Allan Mulandi or Dr. Willams. In most cases, if a condition is caught and treated early, you can avoid tooth extraction. Schedule your regular exam today!
