Are you experiencing persistent pain in your mouth? It could be the result of various dental issues, including a broken tooth or damage from decay.

These problems can sometimes be fixed with dental fillings or crowns. However, these solutions may not be favorable in some cases. When the tooth is damaged beyond repair, tooth extraction would be the best option.

Tooth extractions, or dental extractions, involve the removal of teeth from their socket in your jawbone. So, how do you know you need to have a tooth extracted?

Situations Where Tooth Extractions are Necessary

Tooth extraction is recommended when tooth decay is so extensive that nothing can be done to salvage the tooth. It’s also ideal when the tooth is infected, or there’s a high chance of infection.

Generally, it’s best to treat dental issues with procedures like fillings and root canals, as they help to preserve the natural tooth. However, in some cases, dental extraction would be the best solution. Such circumstances include when:

• The decay eats deep into the gum
• There’s a severe periodontal disease
• The tooth Is cracked
• The tooth has an untreatable infection

Types of Tooth Extractions

Dental extractions can be done by either a general dentist or a dental surgeon. There are two major types of extractions:

• Simple Extractions
• Surgical Extractions

Simple extractions are carried out on teeth that can be seen in your mouth. The dentist will loosen the tooth with an elevator and then remove it with forceps.

Surgical extractions, on the other hand, are more complicated. They’re an ideal option if your tooth has broken off at the gum line or it hasn’t come in yet. The procedure starts with the creation of a small incision into the gum around the infected tooth which allows for easy removal. If necessary, the dentist may also remove some of the bone around the tooth.

Depending on your oral health, your dentist may recommend dental implants as a replacement for the extracted tooth. You may have to undergo further dental examination to find the best replacement for your missing tooth based on your specific needs.

What To Expect From a Tooth Extraction Procedure

Your dentist may have to perform the following procedures during a dental extraction procedure. A typical extraction takes about one hour to complete.

• X-Ray

The first step into tooth extraction is usually an x-ray of the affected tooth to assess the condition of the surrounding bone as well as the location of the tooth’s roots under the gum line.

• Clinical Review

Your dentist will use the X-ray to determine the appropriate extraction method and to create a comprehensive tooth extraction plan.

• Extraction

Your dentist will administer a local or general anesthetic to ensure the extraction procedure is as comfortable and painless as possible. Once the tooth is successfully removed, gauze will be applied to the area to minimize bleeding. If it’s necessary, your dentist may stitch the area a bit to speed up the healing of your gums.

Are Dental Extractions Painful?

The fact that an anesthetic is used means that you’ll hardly feel any pain during the entire extraction procedure. You’ll be numb, and only feel some pressure as the dentist tries to lift the tooth. Dental extraction will help you get rid of the pain that results from severe tooth decay.

Dentist’s don’t literally “pull out teeth” as many people believe. He gently nudges the tooth with pressure. Eventually, the ligaments holding the tooth in place will snap, and the tooth will come out quite effortlessly.

What to Do After Extraction

After tooth extraction, you will need a couple of days to recover at home. With adequate rest and proper care, the wounds left during the procedure will typically heal quickly and without complications.

You should rest at home for the first 24 hours. You shouldn’t go to work or school. Also, you need to limit strenuous activities in the first couple of days to minimize bleeding and promote the blood clotting process.

Be sure to follow the dentist’s instructions to avoid infections or other complications. Try to apply a cold compress on your cheek, around the extraction area, to reduce the chances of swelling. Do not smoke, drink through straws, or brush your teeth vigorously to accelerate the healing of the extraction wound.

If you suspect your tooth needs to be extracted, get in touch with Riverpoint Family, Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry. Your tooth will be thoroughly examined, all your dental concerns will be addressed, and you’ll be advised on the best procedure for your problem. Learn more about other procedures offered in our office.