When one or more teeth are completely removed from the mouth, it is referred to as a tooth extraction. Typically, a dental surgeon or an experienced dentist will carry out this treatment.
When Is A Tooth Extraction Necessary?
Your dentist will recommend a tooth extraction only if he or she believes it is the best course of treatment to maintain your oral health. In most cases, tooth extraction is a last resort when other restorative procedures won't work. However, there are instances in which a tooth extraction is necessary.
- A tooth is severely infected
If a tooth is infected, it can be saved with root canal therapy. But if the infection has spread to the nerves, a tooth extraction will likely be necessary. This will prevent the infection from spreading further.
- A tooth is impacted
When a tooth hasn't fully grown in, it's known as being impacted. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain and discomfort. They can also lead to other oral health problems. If teeth are impacted, they should be removed.
- Teeth are crowded
If teeth are crowded, it can prevent other teeth from coming in correctly. Crowded teeth can also cause misalignment. Tooth extraction can help make room for other teeth to come in properly.
- A tooth is broken or fractured
If your tooth is broken or fractured and can't be saved, your dentist will likely recommend a tooth extraction. This is to prevent infection, pain, and possible damage to the surrounding teeth and tissue. If the broken tooth is left in the mouth, it can cause an infection, which, in turn, can lead to other health problems. Extraction is the safest, fastest way to treat a broken tooth.
- For orthodontic needs
When orthodontic treatment is recommended, we will sometimes need to extract one or more teeth. This is most often done to make room for movement or shifting of the teeth.
- Wisdom Teeth
Your wisdom teeth are your third set of molars, and they typically erupt between the ages of 17 and 21. These teeth can be difficult to keep clean, and hence, they decay easily, so most people have them removed. Occasionally, wisdom teeth can become impacted (trapped beneath the gums). Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, swelling, and infection.
Tooth Extraction Process
Tooth extraction is a common dental treatment, and dentists can usually perform it relatively easily. After numbing the area where the tooth will be removed, the dentist uses forceps to grip the tooth and rock it back and forth to loosen it. Finally, the dentist will use forceps to carefully remove the tooth from the gum line.
After your tooth is extracted, your dentist will take steps to ensure your gums heal properly. They may place stitches to help your gums heal and prevent infection. You may also be given an antimicrobial mouth rinse or a prescription mouth rinse to reduce bacteria and inflammation.
Your dentist will provide you with post-procedure care instructions, which should include how to modify your diet, what medications to take, and when to schedule a follow-up appointment.
Aftercare Instructions
Rinse your mouth gently after every meal. Use warm salt water to rinse your mouth for 15 to 20 minutes, 2 to 3 times a day. This can help to remove food particles and soothe your mouth.
Following are some general suggestions for a quick recovery:
- Clean up the extraction site. Use an antibacterial mouthwash to gently rinse the region two to three times each day. Be careful not to brush your extraction site directly.
- Take all medicines as prescribed. Antibiotics and painkillers may be recommended by your dentist. It's crucial to take these medicines exactly as prescribed.
- For at least two days, abstain from strenuous activities.
To learn about our dental procedures, call Desert Mountain Dental at (520) 324-0100 and schedule an appointment or visit our Tucson dental office.