One thing that people worry about when they go to the dentist is that they will have to have a tooth pulled. This does happen sometimes. We’ll go over the common reasons that people have to have a tooth extraction, the types of extraction, and what to expect after.
Reasons for Tooth Extraction
Decay or Trauma
When a tooth is damaged by decay or trauma, your dentists are going to try fixing it, usually using a crown or filling. A filling will help with repairing teeth that are damaged and make them function normally. They can also help with preventing the tooth from decaying any further. A crown is used when the tooth’s structure’s compromised. They cover your tooth completely from your gum line, up to the surface of your tooth. When there’s too much damage the tooth often needs pulling.
Crowded Teeth
You may need to have your tooth pulled if the other teeth around it aren’t properly aligned. This commonly is done in patients who are getting orthodontic treatments like braces. Sometimes it may be impossible to properly align the teeth if they’re too big for someone’s mouth. Removing one of the teeth can make the space needed for other teeth to be aligned. Sometimes there’s a tooth that can’t come through your gums since there isn’t ample room in your mouth for it. A dentist may recommend a tooth being pulled because of this.
Infection
When the damage or decay to a tooth is going to the pulp, which is the tooth’s center that holds blood vessels and nerves, bacteria can enter the pulp, causing infection. A lot of times an oral surgeon or dentist can fix the infection and damage by performing root canals. During this procedure, the doctor will remove the pulp and nerves and then clean the tooth before sealing it. The doctor then cleans and seals the inside of the tooth. A lot of teeth are saved each year because of this procedure.
When antibiotics and root canals don’t work, it’s possible that the tooth will need to be pulled to stop the infection from worsening and spreading.
An Immune System That’s Compromised
Sometimes a dentist will pull a tooth if there’s a possibility it could become infected. This can happen when the person’s immune system is compromised due to things like transplants or chemotherapy. When someone is on chemotherapy, they are more prone to infection. To fight cancer the best, the person should have a dentist on their team. They should also visit their dentist before they begin treatment if it’s possible. People who have had a transplant are also at higher risk of getting an infection because they’re on immune-suppressant drugs.
Gum Disease
Otherwise known as periodontal disease. This disease is one of the biggest reasons that people lose their teeth. If you’ve been told by your dentist that you have it, you aren’t alone. 50% of the people who live in the United States 30 and older have it. This happens when your gums are pulling away from your teeth and make pockets which then become infected. The connective tissue and bone that keeps your teeth where they are, begin to break down due to bacterial toxins coupled with your body’s immune response. If it’s left untreated, the gums, tissue, and bone that’s supporting your teeth will be destroyed. As time goes by the teeth loosen and this means that your teeth need pulling.
Issues with Wisdom Teeth
Your wisdom teeth are often removed either after or before they’ve come in. Ths typical age range for this procedure is 18-24. If they’ve decayed, become painful, or infected, it’s usually necessary to have them extracted. If the tooth is above your gumline, simple extractions are often sufficient. However, wisdom teeth are frequently problematic and they require surgical removal because of impaction. Impaction means that the tooth is wedged inside your jaw and is not coming in.
How Teeth are Extracted
Using an x-ray, your oral surgeon or dentist is going to determine how they should remove the teeth. Tooth extractions are done in your dentist’s office and there are two types:
Simple
If your tooth is visible in your mouth, the dentist may be able to remove it using a simple extraction. A tool known as an “elevator” is used to loosen your tooth. Then, the tooth is removed using forceps. A lot of these extractions are done using a local anesthetic.
Surgical
This is a more complicated procedure and it is needed when your tooth is below your gum line, if it has not come in, or it has broken down that far in your gum. This will usually require your dentist making a small incision inside your gum. It also may mean that they have to cut the tooth in half or remove some bone so that the tooth can be removed. This procedure often includes anesthesia and local anesthesia.
You will feel pressure rather than pain during tooth extraction.
What to Expect Following Tooth Extraction
You will receive instructions on what you should expect after your extraction. It is normal to have some discomfort and it’s usually mild. Taking NSAIDs like ibuprofen can reduce the pain substantially. Take the recommended amount, which is usually 3-4 times each day for 3 days. Place ice packs on your face. This will help reduce the swelling. It’s also helpful to rinse your mouth with salt water to help keep the site clean. It will often take 2-4 weeks before your initial healing is done.
Taking care of your teeth can help you avoid having a tooth extracted, but sometimes, unfortunately, it can not be helped. Talk to your dentist and see whether you may need to have one of these procedures done.