By Peter Helson
No one wants to lose a tooth, but sometimes extraction is the best choice. The CDC’s 2024 report says 22% of adults aged 20-34 have untreated tooth decay. That means a lot of teeth that may need to be pulled out. It is not as terrible as many people think to lose a tooth that is seriously broken or infected. The removal can give relief from pain, protect nearby teeth, and help with oral health.
In this post, we will discuss when tooth extraction is necessary, why it is sometimes the right decision, along with steps for before and after procedure care. We will also guide you regarding when to seek immediate care and contact a dentist.
Tooth extractions are never random. There is always a reason behind it. Let's break it down.
This is the number one reason. When a cavity gets deep enough, it eats through the enamel and reaches the pulp, which is the soft part inside your tooth. If the tooth cannot be saved by root canal extraction becomes the only solution to prevent further damage or spread of infection.
Gums are not just for decoration. They hold your teeth in place. This gum disease can erode the supporting bone around teeth. This results in a loss of support for the teeth. As a result, due to a lack of proper support, the teeth become loose and often need extraction.
An abscess is referred to as a pus bubble that forms near or around your tooth. They can cause extreme levels of pain and fever. If antibiotics and other treatments fail, then the only option left is extraction to avoid further infections.
You might have heard why some people choose to get teeth removed by the dental surgeon before getting braces fixed. The primary reason teeth are extracted is due to a lack of space to adjust other teeth. To ease alignment, a specific tooth is removed to make space.
Wisdom teeth love drama. They may come sideways, push other teeth, or even become stuck within the gums. Serious infections, pain, and swelling may come from misplaced wisdom teeth. Extraction helps ease everything pain-free.
During sports or any form of physical activity, people often trip or fall, leading to injuries, some of which can even injure your teeth. Biting down on anything too hard is another common way to damage your teeth. Broken or chipped teeth can be fixed and replaced with a stronger tooth.
Pulling a tooth may seem odd, but you may be better off in your health in the future. Here is how:
If the infection is left untreated, then there can be very serious issues, like an infection of the teeth or jawbone. For this reason, it should be removed before it leads to further damage.
The other healthy teeth are likely to be infected as well when a tooth is decayed and diseased. This makes the nearby teeth vulnerable over time. With the removal of damaged or decayed teeth, nearby teeth remain strong and healthy.
On some occasions, dental pain can be persistent. If it is severe and interrupts day-to-day life, then extraction can be one of the fastest methods towards achieving relief. It will also reduce the swelling.
Are you dealing with a tooth that is damaged or missing? An implant or a bridge can restore the former glory to your smile and requires prep work on the current structure first. Extraction prepares the area.
Crooked teeth don't just look off; they can cause bite issues. Extractions make it easier and also help orthodontists achieve the proper spacing required for effective use of braces.
Now let's break down the practical aspects, that is, what happens in the chair:
You have nothing to worry about. Your dentist will numb the area first. You would not feel any pain, only pressure. Then, the tooth is removed with a specialized tool. Afterwards, you may or may not get stitches. The area might heal naturally. Regardless, you will be done before you expect.
Now the healing starts. Your dentist will give you care instructions. These often include:
● Bite down on gauze to stop bleeding.
● Avoid all hot drinks for the day.
● Don’t use straws as sucking can disturb healing.
● Rinse gently after 24 hours with salt water.
● Refrain from chewing on the side where the extraction was done.
You will usually get mild pain. You might get painkillers or antibiotics. Healing takes about one to two weeks. Follow the tooth extraction tips and guidance for a smooth and quick recovery.
If you are still considering when is tooth extraction necessary, the following are some signs to look for:
● Sharp or ongoing pain in your tooth
● Swelling in your gums or face
● Loose teeth
● A tooth that looks dark or has a bad smell
● Trouble chewing or biting down
● Pain that spreads to your jaw or ear
Don't wait until things get worse for you. Early action means fewer problems. And if you live in the Raleigh area, you can always come to the trusted dentist on New Bern Ave to get the answers you need.
Tooth extractions can seem scary. Whether due to decay, infection, injury or overcrowding, removing one tooth sometimes serves to protect the teeth that are left behind.
It is all about understanding when tooth extraction is necessary. If you are sensing pain or find yourself uncertain about a tooth, do not disregard it. Go for a checkup, as it would make a big difference.
Wondering what you should do next? Book an appointment with New Hope Dental Care for easy, gentle, and stress-free dental care.
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