5 Reasons Why Your Tooth May be Extracted

Tooth extraction is the process of removing a tooth from its socket in the mouth. Once a tooth is damaged or decayed, dentists try to restore it first. This is done through root canal treatment or by using dental crowns, bonding, or veneers. Tooth extraction in Houston is only done as the last resort when the other options are exhausted. It is also considered when it is beneficial to the patient.

• Simple extraction

A simple extraction procedure is performed on a tooth that is visible in the mouth. The tooth is made loose using a dental instrument known as an elevator. The dentist then proceeds to use forceps to extract the loosened tooth.

• Surgical extraction

This is done when a tooth breaks at the gum line or when it has not erupted in the mouth, this procedure is used by the dentist. The dentist creates a small incision into the gum and removes the tooth.

Reasons for Tooth Extraction

• Dental Crowding

This is the inconsistency between the size of the tooth and the jaw. A patient may have small jaws or large teeth, resulting in misalignment of the mouth’s rows. Dental crowding is rectified when the dentist extracts a tooth to perform orthodontia. Orthodontia aims at aligning the teeth properly in the mouth. A crowded mouth prevents a new tooth from erupting, resulting in painful gums. This will necessitate teeth extraction.

• Irreparable decay or damaged

If you have a tooth that is damaged or decayed to the extent which bacteria found in the mouth enters the pulp, an infection is avoidable. The pulp is the center of the inner part of a tooth that contains the blood vessels and nerves. In such a case, the dentist performs root canal therapy and administers antibiotics for the infection. When all these treatments fail, tooth extraction is necessary.

• Advanced periodontal disease

Periodontal disease is an infection of the bones and tissues which surround and support the teeth. This gum disease causes teeth to be loose, and it is necessary to extract the tooth.

• Compromised immune system

Patients with conditions that weaken the immune system, like chemotherapy and organ transplant, are at a high risk of infection. When these patients have infected teeth, they must be extracted.

• Impacted wisdom tooth

When wisdom teeth grow impacted, they can cause discomfort and pain. The teeth may grow sideways, creating space between teeth. This space traps food particles and, over time, becomes infected. When braces cannot rectify this, tooth extraction will be necessary.

Procedure for Tooth Extraction

• History review

The dentist near 77083 begins by reviewing the patient’s dental and health history. The dentist takes the patient’s radiographic image. This 3-dimensional image of the patient’s tooth enables the dentist to assess its condition best. Some health conditions and medications determine the suitability and procedure of dental extraction.

• Numbing

The dentist numbs the tooth, bone tissue, and gums on the area surrounding the tooth using anesthesia. Depending on the complexity of the dental procedure, the dentist chooses an IV sedation.

• Extraction

The tooth is released from the periodontal ligament fibers using a dental instrument called a periotome. Different types of elevators are used to apply pressure to the tooth and to luxate it. The process will vary based on the type of extraction, whether simple or surgical tooth extraction.

• Closing the tooth socket

After extraction, the dentist removes infected tissue from the gap where the extracted tooth was. The socket is compressed using a finger so that it retains its size before washing it out. Washing removes tooth fragments and loose bone. After putting gauze on the socket to stop bleeding, the patient bites firmly but gently on it to let a clot form. Stitching is required after surgical tooth extraction.

Do’s And Don’ts after Tooth Extraction

Special care of the mouth is required after tooth extraction. The patient will need to:

• Keep gauze on the socket until bleeding ceases
• Take some time to relax
• Use the prescribed painkillers and antibiotics as prescribed by the dentist
• Eat soft foods until the site heals
• Rinse your mouth with a solution of warm water and salt after 24 hours

The patient is instructed not to do the following:

• Drink from a straw before the elapse of 24 hours after tooth extraction
• Smoking, because it inhibits the healing of the site
• Touch the site with a finger or toothbrush before it heals

If you suffer from a severe toothache, visit EZ Dental Clinic, a dental clinic that values your smile.