When do you Need a Tooth Extraction?

Tooth extraction can be simply termed as removal of a tooth. When a tooth is cracked or damaged by decay, it can be fixed by various dental treatments such as a filling or crown. But when the damage is beyond repair, the tooth may need to be extracted or removed. Apart from a decayed or broken tooth, there are several other reasons that may call for a tooth removal.

When do you Need a Tooth Extraction?

Here are some of the reasons where you may need one or more of your teeth to be removed:

• Crowding of teeth.

• Extra teeth that block other teeth from coming in may need removal.

• Some baby teeth may not fall off, preventing permanent teeth from coming in. Hence they need to be removed.

• Need for braces may call for tooth removal to create space for other teeth to move in.

• Extreme cavity or severe cracks that are beyond repair may require you to undergo tooth removal procedure.

• Wisdom teeth may need extraction if they cause crowding or erupt partially.

• People receiving radiation or those under cancer drugs may also require tooth extraction.

Tooth Extraction Process:

As mentioned above, on several occasions your dentist may recommend removing one or more of your teeth. A tooth extraction procedure will require you to undergo various steps.

The dentist will require an X-ray of your teeth or the infected area before proceeding further. This allows the dentist to look beyond the surface of your teeth for any infections, tumors as well as the relation of teeth to nerves connected with other organs. It is also recommended that you provide your medical history to your dentist to clear all doubts before undergoing the procedure. Based on these factors the dentist will be able to devise the best way of teeth removal.

Types of Tooth Removal Procedure

• Simple: In this procedure, the dentist will first numb the area with the help of local anesthesia. Once done, he will loosen the teeth and extract it. This is a common procedure performed by general dentists. It is natural to feel some pressure but you will feel no pain during the process.

• Surgical: A surgical dental extraction is a more complex procedure which is commonly performed by oral surgeons. The surgeon makes a small incision or cut into your gum and then extracts the tooth. You may receive medication to reduce swelling and pain after the process.

While there is no pain felt during the process you may feel it after the anesthesia wears off. The dentist will provide you with instructions for care post the treatment, but there are measures that you can take to ease the discomfort. These include eating soft and cool foods and applying ice packs on your face. You must also not smoke, use straw or spit after surgery as this can pull the blood clot out of the area where extraction was performed.

Sometimes you may suffer tooth pain that is caused by reasons beyond our knowledge and may even call for tooth extraction. Hence, it is best not to delay and consult a dental service provider to avoid any severe consequences.