6 Vital Things You Need to Know About Tooth Extraction

We should always strive to preserve our natural teeth because they are irreplaceable. Even the best tooth replacement, a dental implant, can never be as good as a natural tooth. However, there comes a time where tooth extraction is inevitable.

In this blog, we will discuss tooth extraction in detail to help you decide about the procedure. Talk to us if you require tooth extraction near you in Dixon, IL.

What is Tooth Extraction?

Tooth extraction is the safe removal of an infected or severely decayed tooth by a qualified dentist.

Reasons for Teeth Extraction

Some of the reasons why your dentist may suggest extraction include:

Crowded Mouth

If you have more teeth than your jaws can carry, your dentist will suggest extraction. If you allow the extra teeth to continue growing in your mouth, it will affect your teeth’s alignment, affecting the appearance of your smile.

Dental Infection

Typically, most dental infections don’t lead to tooth extraction. However, if the infection extends to the pulp and a root canal therapy cannot cure it, the tooth should be extracted to avoid spreading the infection to the surrounding teeth.

Gum Disease

Gum disease affects the bone and the surrounding tissues supporting our teeth. This action leads to the loosening of the tooth, and sometimes it has to be extracted and replaced with a bridge or denture.

Tooth Decay

If the decay is too severe that a crown cannot strengthen the tooth, the dentist will extract it.

Baby Teeth Failing to Fall On Time

If your child’s baby teeth do not fall on time, the permanent teeth will start growing underneath them. For that reason, if your child’s baby teeth do not fall on time, take her to the dentist for an extraction.

Wisdom Teeth Complications

You don’t have to extract your wisdom teeth if they are functioning normally. However, if they are impacted and causing pain, you should get your dentist to extract them.

Types of Tooth Extraction

There are two types of broken tooth extraction procedures. These procedures are:

• Simple extraction: It involves the extraction of a visible tooth that cannot be saved.
• A surgical extraction involves the extraction of impacted teeth and is often conducted by oral surgeons and experienced dentists.

How to Prepare for Tooth Extraction

First, talk to the dentist a week or two before the procedure to confirm several things such as the charges and the time you should arrive.

If your extraction requires surgery, the dentist may ask you to carry your medical history. He will also need to know the medications you are currently taking. Sometimes, your dentist may ask you to stop taking certain medications for several days until after the procedure. It is important to have a person to take you home after the extraction.

Tooth Extraction Procedure

Your dentist will sedate you to ensure you are comfortable during the procedure. However, if you feel any pain, don’t be afraid to speak up. He will adjust the sedation to ensure you don’t feel the pain.

While the dentist is extracting the tooth, there will be increased pressure on the tooth. Please don’t confuse this pressure with pain. After the extraction, the dentist will place a piece of gauze on the site to control the bleeding. Sometimes, the dentist may need to stitch the site, especially if he extracts several teeth in a row.

The dentist will give you some painkillers that you should use to alleviate pain while at home. He will also advise you on how to handle the extraction site for the first few days after the extraction.

Tooth Extraction Aftercare

Allow your friend to drive you home after the procedure. The sedation will still be in your blood and can affect your concentration, leading to an accident. Here are dos and don’ts after an extraction procedure.

• Don’t drink with a straw for the first 24-48 hours.
• Do brush your teeth two times a day and floss them daily but avoid disturbing the extraction site.
• Do take the painkillers provided
• Don’t make any vital decisions for the first 24-48 hours as the sedation may still in your blood.
• Don’t eat hard foods until you are healed.
• Do rinse your mouth with warm salt water every morning for two weeks.

Exceptional Dentistry

Book an appointment with us and let us help you. You can count on us for all dental procedures, including extractions, crowns, implants, and more.