Tooth extraction is defined as a dental procedure during which your tooth is completely removed. Hopefully, your dentist can treat any problems you may have before it's necessary to remove a tooth.
However, sometimes a tooth is so decayed or damaged that all you can do is extract it. But how do you know that you need to have a tooth removed?
This article will guide you through the reasons for tooth extraction, so you know when it's time to search for "emergency dental care in Little Rock, Arkansas" on your laptop.
Let's start with the most common reasons for tooth extraction.
Common Reasons for Tooth Extraction
One main reason for tooth extraction is severe decay or damage. When decay progresses and infects a whole tooth, it can lead to problems in the center of the tooth. If bacteria build up on the surface of the tooth, they can lead to infections and other health issues in your gums. Tooth extraction is essential at this point.
In some cases, a root canal procedure can solve decay. But, if the decay has developed on the surface of a tooth, it might be too late. (Although, if you have questions like "Can you get a crown without a root canal?" your dentist can help to answer those questions.)
Treatment for Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is bacteria under the gums that can cause infection and bone loss. Usually, this disease starts with gingivitis, swelling, and infection of the gums and bone deterioration.
Of course, brushing and flossing are great ways to limit your risk of periodontal disease, but it can still develop even when you take the proper precautions.
If the disease gets so bad that it destroys your teeth and bones, you'll need a tooth extraction.
To Treat Blocked Teeth
Sometimes, teeth are blocked by other teeth when they are trying to push through the gums, leading to issues such as overcrowding. To avoid the gums being inflamed or the teeth being crushed, tooth extraction might be necessary.
When you have a dental emergency, even if you have no insurance, it's still important that you book a checkup. Your dentist will be able to evaluate if you have wisdom teeth growing in or perhaps a gum-related problem.
Before you make the decision to extract a tooth, your dentist will perform an x-ray so they can identify the placement of your teeth and know if there's overcrowding.
This often is the case with wisdom teeth. However, not all wisdom teeth cause problems, so your dentist will assess your gums and tell you if the teeth need to be removed.
After Accidents
If you get into an accident—like a car crash—or if you fracture and/or crack a tooth for some other reason, you might need to have a tooth extracted.
In some situations, the teeth might be protected. But in serious incidents, your teeth can become damaged beyond repair.
Before committing to a tooth extraction, you can try other procedures, like crowns, bridges, or veneers. But, if these treatments don't work or if the accident has impacted the structure of your teeth, they will need to be removed.
How Tooth Extraction Works
Once you know you're having a tooth extracted, you’ll envision sitting in the dental chair for the procedure. But a few things need to happen before that.
This may be the first time you’ve had serious dental work done. So, it's good to know what to expect before turning up to your appointment.
As always, the receptionist will greet you and will give you specific documents to sign before the extraction. If you have any questions about the surgery, you can ask them when you arrive.
Remember to ask all your relevant questions before you get the anesthetic and/or sedative. Otherwise, you won't have a clear mind, and it can cause panic before the surgery.
Before getting your tooth extracted, you should ensure you're comfortable and at ease.
Once you've been sedated and given an anesthetic, your dentist will take care of the rest. They will remove the tooth, clean the cavity, and apply stitches if necessary.
Afterward, your dentist will talk you through the aftercare treatment and ensure you know how to look after the extracted area.
Aftercare for Tooth Extraction
You can expect to feel some pain and tenderness in the area where the tooth has been extracted. Therefore, you should avoid brushing the area where the tooth was removed.
Ideally, you shouldn't touch the area for 12 hours. Apart from the extracted area, you can brush the rest of your teeth as usual. Just be careful and gentle.
Another essential tip is to drink liquids and eat soft food. This will put less pressure on your gums and reduce any inflammation.
If you're worried about pain, you can ask your dentist about taking medication to help you cope with the pain as you heal.
Ultimately, resting and taking it easy is crucial when you're healing from an extraction procedure. If this is your first time having serious dental work done, you should be extra careful in the following 24 to 48 hours.
Then, you can resume normal activities and eating routines. You can also schedule a checkup a few weeks after the extraction, to monitor the healing and ensure there's no post-surgery infection.
After having a tooth extracted, you can expect your teeth and gums to heal within 7–10 days, depending on the severity of the problem and the condition of your teeth.Everyone will have different reasons for considering tooth extraction, whether it be decay, overcrowding, infection, or wisdom teeth implications. The only way to know if an extraction is needed is to schedule a dental appointment.
Luckily, a tooth extraction isn't as bad as it sounds, if you have the right team of professionals. At Dean Dental Solutions, we offer wisdom teeth extraction for complicated gums and pain relief.
Our team is happy to help you navigate the process and to reassure you about the procedure.
Reach out to our team here and book an appointment for a tooth extraction.
The Best Wisdom Teeth Removal Little Rock, AR
Everyone will have different reasons for tooth extraction, whether that be decay, overcrowding, infection, or wisdom teeth implications. The only way to get a definite answer is to schedule a dental appointment.
Luckily, tooth extraction isn't as bad as it sounds if you have the right team of professionals. We offer wisdom teeth extraction for complicated gums and pain relief at Dean Dental Solutions.
Our team is happy to help you navigate the process and reassure you about the procedure.
Reach out to our team here and book an appointment for a tooth extraction.
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