Tooth extraction is often referred to as the procedure where a tooth is removed completely to relieve pain and discomfort. If a tooth has undergone severe damage due to injury, decay or accident, it may need extraction. While some damaged or decayed teeth may be treated efficiently with a filling, the tooth has to be extracted if the damage is beyond repair.
In what situations does the tooth have to be extracted?
- The tooth has suffered irreparable damage due to severe decay; it may have to be extracted. In such situations, tooth decay would have reached the tooth's center, which is the pulp. The bacteria produced by the decay will cause infection in the pulp. In some cases, a root canal treatment may help cure the infection. However, if the infection is acute, an extraction cannot be avoided to stop the infection from spreading.
- Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums, alveolar bone, and the teeth' surrounding structures. The first stage of periodontal disease is gingivitis which affects the gums. These diseases are caused by bacteria forming a plaque, which develops on the teeth. In extreme cases, periodontal disease may result in a tooth's loosening, leaving no option other than its extraction.
- The removal of one or more teeth may be essential to eliminate the overcrowding of teeth in the mouth. When a patient has to undertake an orthodontic treatment, the teeth may have to be extracted to make space for the realignment.
- In wisdom teeth, a tooth is impacted when it is blocked from coming out, or the gums prevent the tooth's eruption. The impacted teeth have to be extracted to stop them from damaging other teeth. The extraction of the impacted teeth will also help lower the risk of infection and overcrowding.
- Tooth extraction may not be avoidable if the tooth has suffered irreparable damage due to an accident or injury. The first option will be to save a tooth by various treatments such as bonding, crowns, or veneers. But, if the damage is too severe, tooth extraction has to be performed.
What is the procedure of Tooth Extraction?
If a tooth has erupted properly and is visible, it can be removed by a simple procedure. To begin with, an anesthetic is applied to numb the area around the affected tooth. Dental forceps are used to pull out the tooth from its socket slowly. A little sensation of pressure can be felt by a patient when a tooth is being pulled out. The bleeding that occurs during the procedure can be controlled by placing gauze on the tooth removal site.
Some tooth extractions have to be removed surgically, especially the wisdom tooth. Surgical extractions are also performed on teeth that have broken off at the gum line or have not erupted. General anesthesia is used during the surgical extraction to make the patient calm and comfortable. A small incision is made in the gum line to extract the damaged tooth. A couple of stitches may be required after the tooth extraction to promote healing.
Call us at Beyond Expectation Dental or schedule an online appointment to know more about Tooth Extractions.
