Tooth Extraction: All Questions Answered
Although our permanent teeth are designed to last for a lifetime, many factors can cause them to be prematurely pulled. Situations such as accidents, trauma, infection, or decay can cause the dentist to extract the teeth.
When is Tooth Extraction Needed?
Though it is a popular dental treatment, the procedure is only done when necessary or when the tooth can’t be salvaged.
- Overcrowding. When your teeth overlap or when you lack enough space in the upper and lower jaw, your teeth may become crowded which can weaken the jaw bone. Our Phoenix dentist will recommend tooth extraction to prepare for orthodontia. This is a procedure done to correct and realign the teeth.
- Wisdom teeth extraction is the chief reason why tooth extraction is done. The wisdom is the last set of molars to set in, and more often than not the teeth don’t fully emerge from the gum. Entrapped or impacted teeth not only weaken your dental structure, but they can be a source of pain and discomfort as well as increased risk for infection.
- Tooth decay affects your gum and pulp cavity which weakens the teeth. In the early stages, the doctor can perform root canal treatment to clean the pulp to remove the decay and stop it from spreading to the surrounding teeth. However, when the decay is severe, tooth extraction may be the only treatment.
- Gum disease or periodontal weakens the teeth and makes the loose creating the need for tooth extraction.
How Long Does the Tooth Extraction Procedure Last?
The length of the extraction procedure will depend on the type of surgery to be done. The dentist can perform either surgical or simple extractions. Simple extractions are easy and are done on visible teeth while the surgical ones are ideal for impacted teeth.
Before the procedure, the dentist will numb the gums with local anesthesia. In some complex situations, the dentist can use sleep sedation to make you unconscious to make the process bearable. After the tooth is extracted, the dentist will stitch the gums to hasten the healing process.
When Do I Know I Need Emergency Tooth Extraction?
Emergency tooth extraction is needed when an accident or trauma occurs and the tooth gets dislodged from the socket. Remember, after the tooth breaks, you should not pull it yourself. Only our dentist can decide if the teeth need to be extracted or not.
How Long Will It Take to Recover?
The healing time will depend on the type of tooth extraction that has been done and the location. But, on average, you should expect a recovery in one to two weeks.
Are There Any Aftercare Instructions?
Yes. How you take care of your gum will affect the recovery time. The dentist will give aftercare instructions, and they include:
- Using ice packs to reduce swelling
- Take the pain medications as prescribed
- Use warm salt water to rinse the gum and keep infections at bay
- Keep your head elevated to stop bleeding
- Don’t use straws to protect the blood clot
- Rest
Are There Any Complications?
Yes, at times complications may arise after the teeth are extracted. Dry socket is one of the common complications. After the teeth are pulled, a blood clot will form to facilitate healing. However, when the clot break, it exposes the socket causing pain and affecting the healing process.
Other complications that may arise include swelling, bleeding and pain especially after the anesthesia wears off.
Rarely will severe complications arise, but you need to watch out for chest pain, nausea and vomiting, gum redness and tenderness, excessive discharge, coughs and shortness of breath. When you notice any of these, don’t hesitate to contact our dentist for emergency treatment.
What Next After Tooth Extraction?
The downside of having a tooth extraction is that it leaves spaces that not only affect your appearance but also your dental structure. You may need cosmetic dentistry after the gums are healed to fill the spaces and prevent the surrounding teeth from shifting. At All Smiles Dental, we offer different options such as dental bridges, implants, or crowns.