Tooth Extraction: All You Need To Know
Tooth extraction is a dental process that may sound intimidating but with the right information, preparation, and skilled dental professionals by your side, it can be a straightforward and comfortable process.
In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about tooth extraction, including why teeth are removed, types of extraction, and what to expect after. So, let’s dive in and ease any concerns you may have!
What Is Tooth Extraction?
Tooth extraction involves the safe removal of your tooth from its socket in your jawbone. Whilst we strive to preserve your natural tooth as much as possible at Purity Dental, there are certain instances where a tooth is beyond saving due to either infection, decay, or being severely damaged. In such instances, to prevent further complications such as spread of infection or further pain, the tooth may need to be extracted.
Why Are Teeth Removed?
Some of the most common reasons why you may need to have your teeth extracted include:
-Severe tooth decay or damage
Your tooth may need to be removed in cases where there are severe cavities, decay or structural damage that cannot be effectively repaired using other treatments. This is to prevent further infection or the spread of decay to adjacent teeth.
–Impaction
Sometimes teeth may not fully emerge or grow in the correct position, leading to a painful condition known as impaction. This commonly occurs with wisdom teeth and is not only painful but can cause infection or damage to adjacent teeth.
–Trauma
Accidents or injuries to the mouth can result in fractured or broken teeth. If the damage is severe and cannot be repaired then a tooth extraction is necessary to prevent infection that may spread to your bone.
–Severe gum disease
Gum disease can weaken tissues supporting the tooth, causing the tooth itself to become loose. This can make chewing difficult and may lead to painful sensitivity around the affected tooth. In certain cases, if the gum disease is severe and has caused significant damage, tooth extraction may be recommended by our dentist.
–Crowded teeth
When there is overcrowding and there isn’t enough space for all the teeth to properly align, extraction of one or more teeth may be necessary to allow for healthy future growth and improve overall alignment of your smile.
–Dental infections
When a tooth infection such as an abscess cannot be effectively treated with antibiotics or root canal therapy, extraction may be the recommended option to prevent the spread of infection to other parts of the mouth.
Each smile is unique. If you have a severely damaged or infected tooth, our experienced dental professionals will assess and determine the most appropriate solution for you once you come in for your consultation.
How It Works
Your comfort is our priority at Purity Dental. We strive to make all our dental solutions as smooth and painless as possible and take every measure to help you feel at ease during your dental appointments.
–Evaluation: Our dentist will examine your tooth and review x-rays to assess its condition and determine if extraction is necessary.
–Anesthesia: Local anesthesia is administered to numb the area around the tooth to ensure a smooth and painless process.
–Extraction: Using specialised instruments and techniques, our dentist will carefully loosen and remove the tooth from its socket.
–Healing: A gauze is placed on the extraction site to control bleeding.
–Follow-up: Visits are scheduled to monitor the healing progress.
What To Expect After An Extraction
After tooth extraction, it’s normal to feel some post-operative effects. Here are some of the things you can expect and certain steps we recommend following to ensure a smooth recovery:
-It’s common to experience some bleeding from the extraction site immediately after the procedure. Our dentist will provide you with gauze pads to bite down on to help control and minimise the bleeding. Remember to change the gauze as instructed to ensure proper healing.
-Applying an ice pack or cold compress on the affected area for short intervals may help reduce the swelling.
-Stick to soft foods that require minimal chewing and avoid hot, spicy, or hard foods that may irritate the extraction site.
-Continuing to maintain good oral hygiene is important for proper healing. Gently brush and floss your surrounding teeth and gums. Avoid the extraction site and allow it to heal in the days following your procedure.
-Attending follow-up appointments is vital to assess your healing progress. Make sure you don’t miss out on these to ensure a smooth recovery.
Remember, everyone’s healing process is different, so your recovery period and effects could vary!
If you have any more questions or concerns, please feel free to speak to one of our experienced dentists. We believe in taking every step to help our patients better understand dental treatments We are here to provide you with all the guidance and support you need!
