5 Common Reasons for Tooth Extraction

Tooth extraction or tooth removal is a dental procedure that involves removing a tooth from its position in the socket. The specialist tasked with this responsibility is an oral surgeon, although periodontists and general dentists can also extract teeth.

Dr. C. Romesh Weerasooriya at Tarpon Shores Dental exhausts all other options before settling for tooth extraction because we care about preserving your natural teeth. Before the extraction procedure, the dentist thoroughly checks your mouth, teeth, and gums. They also ensure the procedure is painless by numbing the affected area.

Types of Tooth Extractions

Generally, tooth extractions fall under two broad categories:

• Simple Extractions: They are simple, straightforward procedures done on visible teeth. They are non-invasive, and the patient will be under local anesthesia throughout the whole procedure.
• Surgical Extractions: Your dentist in Sarasota, FL, will recommend a surgical extraction if the tooth in question can’t be easily accessed. Surgical extractions are invasive and are performed if the tooth is impacted or there is breakage below the gumline.

There are many reasons to remove your teeth. This article highlighted some of them.

Tooth Decay

Cavities or tooth decay is undoubtedly the leading cause of tooth extraction. Typically, patients with severely decayed teeth may have skipped their dental trips for years. This is because tooth decay progresses in stages over time, and if it reaches a point where extraction is needed, it is evident that the patient neglected their oral health. Firulst, decay eats into the tooth enamel before entering the dentin. Thereafter, it proceeds to the center of the tooth, causing further damage. Once the bacteria reach the pulp, it causes a root canal infection. Therefore, the longer you wait to get treatment, the more extensive the infection becomes.

Consequently, you will require more extensive and costly procedures in the long-run. Although decayed teeth can be saved, there is a point where salvaging them isn’t possible. This is where tooth extraction comes in.

Provided you make regular visits to the dentist’s, prevention and treatment of decay is possible.

Gum Disease

Periodontal or gum disease is also one of the major contributing factors to tooth extraction. Left untreated, it could cause the same effects as tooth decay. In its advanced stages, periodontal disease causes gum tissue, bone and ligament degeneration. As the teeth’s supporting structures deteriorate, the teeth loosen. Consequently, teeth may start falling out on their own or require extraction.

Overcrowded Teeth

Overcrowded teeth not only give you an ugly smile but affect your teeth’ functionality. This is the reason why tooth extraction could be for orthodontic purposes. If your mouth is overcrowded, the dentist may recommend removing some of your permanent teeth. This step creates more space for the remaining teeth to be aligned. Pulling out overcrowded teeth is commonly done in kids and teenagers.

Impacted Teeth

When a tooth is impacted, it erupts below the gumline and develops in a peculiar angle. There are many reasons behind tooth impaction; overcrowding, tilted, twisted, and displaced teeth. It isn’t uncommon to have impacted wisdom teeth because they are large; therefore, the space on the jaw may not be enough for them.

Broken Teeth

Sometimes when teeth break, they leave only a tiny portion; so tiny that it may be impossible to attach any tooth restorations like dental crowns. If this is the case, an extraction is inevitable.

Recovering from Tooth Extraction

How do you speed up recovery after undergoing a tooth extraction procedure? Here are some helpful tips:

• Take prescribed painkillers
• Do not remove the gauze until after hours post-extraction
• Apply a cold compress to the area after the procedure
• Rest for about a day before jumping right back into your routine
• Avoid rinsing, spitting, or using a straw after the procedure until 24 hours elapse as it could dislodge the blood clot
• Rinse your mouth using a salt solution 24 hours after the procedure
• Avoid smoking
• Continue practicing good dental hygiene

As for diet, start with soft foods as you introduce more foods. Dentists recommend soup, pudding, and yogurt the first few days following the procedure. Your dentist could also recommend some pain relievers to help you deal with the pain.