Sometimes it is necessary to get your tooth pulled out. Impaction, tooth decay, periodontal and gum disease, trauma, or tooth overcrowding are all reasons a dentist may recommend a tooth extraction. If you or your loved one is in need of a tooth extraction and you want to find out more about the procedure, read on…
Simple Extractions vs. Surgical Extractions
A simple extraction is when a tooth is visible above the gumline, and the dentist can easily remove it with forceps, all you need is a simple extraction.
A surgical extraction is needed when the dentist needs to remove gum tissue or bone to extract your tooth. Once all the procedure is done, you’ll need stitches and will likely be prescribed pain medication so that you can heal quickly and with the least discomfort.
Why would you need to do a tooth extraction?
There are a number of reasons your dentist may recommend a tooth extraction surgical or non surgical. Although saving your teeth is always desired, there are circumstances when the teeth need to be removed. These reasons can be because of trauma, disease, and crowding in the mouth. An extraction may be the best option when a tooth cannot be repaired using a crown or filling. If you are worried, surgical tooth extractions are actually the most common surgical procedure in the United States. It is a very straightforward procedure without too many complications after.
After getting an X-ray and examining your tooth, your dentist can usually determine whether or not you’ll need a simple or surgical extraction. Here are reasons why you will need an extraction of the tooth:
- Wisdom teeth removal, if they’re impacted, and the bone and tissue must be cut
- When removing broken-down teeth
- Tooth decay, when an infection has developed, causing intense pain, swelling, and redness, this is when extraction is needed.
- Periodontal or gum disease, if the uprightness of the bone or gum around the tooth deteriorates too much, then it may be necessary to extract the tooth.
- A crowded mouth, sometimes dentists pull teeth to prepare the mouth for orthodontia.
- Trauma, there are times when an accident causes a tooth to become too damaged to save.
What to expect?
For a simple extraction, a forceps is needed and you will be given a local anesthetic to numb the area where the tooth will be removed. During the extraction you will feel the dentist rock your teeth back and forth to loosen the tooth from the gum.
For a surgical extraction the procedure involves cutting open the gums and removing the tooth. During this procedure your dentist will use a strong general anesthetic. This will prevent pain throughout your body and make you sleep through the procedure.
Here are some tips for post-extraction aftercare:
- Rest your mouth.
- Consume liquids and soft foods.
- Avoid brushing the area.
- Listen to your dentist about pain meds.
- If pain or bleeding continues, contact your dentist.
If you are in Stamford and you are looking to do a tooth extraction.. At Stamford Dental Spa we have trained and highly experienced professionals that can provide you with the proper dental care you and your loved ones need. Give us a call at (203) 324-7777 to book an appointment.