27 Dec Tooth Extractions: When Do You Need One?
Our teeth are an important part of our daily lives. We use them to eat, speak, and smile. That is why a tooth extraction is always a last resort. However, in some cases it may be necessary. For instance, many people have had wisdom teeth removed because there wasn’t enough room in their mouth. And tooth extractions before dentures are also very common.
Most of the time, a dying tooth can be saved with a root canal. But if you do need a tooth extraction, don’t worry—you won’t feel any pain, and it will be over before you know it.
You May Need a Tooth Pulled If…
- There is overcrowding in your jaw. Typically, overcrowding can be corrected with braces or aligners. However, in some cases, one or two teeth may have to be removed first to create enough space.
- You have impacted teeth that never fully emerged from your gums. The wisdom teeth are often impacted, which can crowd your other teeth and make them crooked.
- You have advanced dental decay. When a tooth is necrotic (dead) or cannot be saved with a root canal, then an extraction is the only option.
- The tooth is damaged beyond repair. When a tooth breaks or cracks down into the root, it cannot be saved.
Only a dentist can tell you whether you need a tooth extraction. They can explain why this procedure is necessary, and they will be able to perform it in a safe and sterile environment. You should never try to pull a tooth out on your own. Not even if the tooth is loose, or even if the tooth is a baby one. There are several reasons why you should leave your tooth. For starters, pulling your own tooth can damage the gums and other soft tissues in the mouth. It also causes an increased risk of infection. Finally, removing a tooth can lead to misalignments, which might need more involved dental work later on.
What Happens During a Tooth Extraction?
During an extraction procedure, the entire tooth is removed from its socket. Extractions can be performed on fully visible teeth, broken teeth, and even on teeth that are still lodged beneath the gum line.
There are two types of dental extractions: simple and surgical.
Simple extractions are for visible, non-broken, teeth. First, your dentist will numb the area, so you don’t feel any pain. Next, using special dental tools, they will loosen the tooth by rocking it back and forth to widen the socket. When it is loose, they will carefully lift the tooth out.
Surgical extractions are for teeth that are impacted, below the gum line, or broken. Because it is a surgical procedure, your dentist will either numb the area or sedate you, depending on the complexity of the extraction. They may need to make one or more incisions in the gums, remove some of the bone surrounding the tooth, or even cut the tooth into pieces in order to remove it.
Comprehensive Dental Care in Prescott, Arizona
If you have pain in one of your teeth, don’t wait! The sooner you see a dentist, the better the chances of saving it. You probably won’t need a tooth extraction if you act now. For the best dental care in Prescott, make an appointment at Hicks Dental Group, your local family dentist.
Photo by Quang Tri NGUYEN on Unsplash used with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use.