When you may need a tooth extraction?
Trauma
Injuries to the mouth can be extremely painful and cause damage to teeth, ligaments, bone, and tissue. In some cases, one or more teeth may need to be extracted in order to correct the bite. Additional complications can lengthen the treatment time.
Tooth disease
The decision to save a tooth or extract it usually comes down to the severity of the decay. If the decay is extensive, an extraction may be the best option. However, if the tooth can be saved, a root canal procedure will be attempted first.
Crowding
Dental size varies from person to person. Some people have teeth that are too large for their jaws, which can cause pain and/or misalignment. If this is the case, a dentist may recommend removing some teeth in order to alleviate the problem. Typically, multiple x-rays are taken in order to determine which teeth need to be removed.
Not sure whether you need a tooth extraction or not? Consult a dentist near you to know more.
What are different types of tooth extraction procedures?
Surgical
If you have a tooth that is impacted or broken, you may need different surgical procedures to fix the problem. The first step would be to make a small incision in your gum to remove the tooth or fragment. After that, your dentist will be able to better assess the situation and recommend further treatment.
Non-surgical
A simple extraction is the most common type of tooth extraction. This is usually done when the tooth is visible in the mouth and undamaged. The dentist will use an instrument called an elevator to loosen the tooth before using forceps for the final removal.
What’s the process of tooth extraction that dentists follow?
Tooth numbing
Tooth extractions can be a daunting experience, but they don’t have to be. With a little sedation, you’ll be out of the dentist’s chair before you know it.
Whether your doctor chooses a local or stronger sedative, you should only feel drowsy for a short while. The entire process usually takes no more than half an hour.
Tooth extraction
To extract your tooth, the dentist would loosen it in the socket by stretching the ligament that attaches it to the jawbone. It’s because when a tooth needs to be extracted, the first step is to loosen it in the socket and stretch the ligament that attaches it to the jawbone. This will give your dentist enough room to pull the tooth out by rocking it back and forth.
Space closing
Once your tooth has been extracted, your dentist will take care of the socket by removing any leftover tissue and compressing it to a smooth size. The socket will be properly cleaned out and gauzed to keep the area clean and promote healing.
Final step
Once your tooth has been extracted, your dentist will ask you to wait for the anesthesia to dissipate. This is to ensure that you are safe before leaving the office. The length of time this takes can vary depending on the type of anesthesia used, but it usually falls between 15 minutes and an hour. Once the procedure is finished, you will need to take care of yourself post-procedure.
What are the pre-procedure things to know?
It is important to consult with a dentist prior to any procedure in order to ensure both comfort and safety. This typically includes a dental history, examination, and answering questions. However, depending on the procedure, there may be additional steps required.
After you arrive at the dental office, a member of the staff will take you to the dental chair. They will explain the extraction process and answer any questions you have. They will also put on a bib to protect your clothes. The whole process, from check-in to finish, should take around ten minutes to half an hour.
What are the post-procedure things to know?
It is important to stay calm and follow your dentist’s instructions after having a tooth extracted. In the days following the procedure, it is crucial to take care of the extraction site properly to avoid infection. Your dental assistant will go over the post-extraction care that you need to do at home, which includes information on how to maintain proper hygiene and clean the area.
How you should plan in advance for a tooth extraction?
When having a tooth extracted, it is essential to plan ahead in order to avoid any complications. This means taking time off from work or school if necessary in order to allow your mouth to heal properly. In most cases, you should not return to work until you have fully healed. However, there may be times when you have to go back before you are completely better. If this is the case, be sure to take care of yourself and get plenty of rest so that you can heal as quickly as possible.
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