Tooth extractions are routine dental procedures used to remove decayed, damaged or otherwise problematic teeth.
Dentists usually make every effort to preserve natural teeth, although sometimes an extraction is necessary. Although the procedure is performed in a dentist’s or oral surgeon’s office, it is considered surgery. Depending on which teeth are removed, they may be replaced with a dental implant or another oral prosthetic.
There are several reasons why you could need a tooth extraction.
1. To remove teeth that are not restorable because of tooth decay.
2. To remove teeth that have become unrestorable or mobile because of gum diseases.
3. To remove teeth that have become unrestorable because of dental trauma or accidents.
4. To remove certain teeth associated with long standing infections or swelling or pain.
5. To remove teeth that have lost the crown structure and only the root pieces are remaining.
6. Fractured teeth
7. If teeth are crowded, a planned extraction of some of the teeth might be carried out to create space for alignment of rest of the teeth with braces. (Orthodontic Extraction)
8. Supernumerary teeth, that is extra teeth, that have erupted at unusual places and block other teeth from coming out.
9. Over retained milk teeth.
10. Wisdom teeth, that are unable to erupt normally in the mouth due to various reasons and become impacted and cause recurrent infection, pain and swelling of the gums.
Do I need a tooth extraction?
Only your dentist can tell you if you need a tooth extraction. However, you may be a candidate for the procedure if one or more of your teeth are decayed so severely that a filling or others restoration is not a possibility for treatment.
What should I expect during my tooth extraction appointment?
If you and your dentist decide to extract one or more teeth, you will be scheduled to return for oral surgery at a later date. You will be given a local anesthetic to prevent pain during the procedure, and you may be prescribed medications to help manage pain in the hours following your extraction.
What type of post-treatment care will I need to follow?
Post-operative care following a tooth extraction is essential for healing and preventing complications. You will be instructed to apply ice from outside for a hour or so and avoid certain hot and hard foods and also to avoid spitting and gargling for a day. If you are prescribed an antibiotic, it is important that you complete the course of treatment to prevent infection. Finally, you may be advised to avoid smoking as doing so may delay the healing process and cause a condition known as ‘dry socket.’