Have you ever thought about why tooth extraction is required in some cases? Most people do not like to have a tooth pulled out, but it’s pretty common dental procedure and may be helpful for your oral health. This article discusses the causes of tooth extraction, the actual process, and after-cure guidelines.
Why Are Tooth Extractions Necessary?
Tooth extractions are performed where the affected tooth has not been saved, or removing it will help the patient. Here are some common reasons for tooth extractions:
Severe Tooth Decay: Advanced decay can break the tooth down to such a state that it can not be filled or crowned. Sometimes, extraction becomes necessary in order to stop more damage or infection.
Gum Disease: Loose teeth may arise due to periodontal disease, which necessitates removal to prevent infection of neighbouring teeth and gums.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth: They may also encounter issues with their impacted wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth that are impacted incite pain, infection, and misalignment of other teeth.
Overcrowding: Tooth extractions may be undertaken for orthodontic procedures to find space so that all teeth can align properly.
Orthodontic Treatment: Sometimes, tooth extraction is one of the orthodontics measures to help make the bite and smile look more uniform.
Trauma or Fractures: Teeth can break or be damaged due to various accidents or injuries, which can eventually lead to tooth extraction.
The Tooth Extraction Procedure
Tooth extraction is done as a common practice in dentistry only by expert dentists. Here’s what you can expect:
Anaesthesia: Your dentist will give you local anaesthesia before extraction so that you do not feel any pain in that part of the tooth. You can also talk about sedation if you are anxious about the procedure.
Tooth Removal: Your dentist will apply specific instruments to rock the tooth with a back-and-forth motion in order to detach it. They will then loosen it and take it away from its socket.
Post-Extraction Care: Your dentist will give you post-extraction care procedures after the removal of a tooth. This mostly consists of directives on pain management, wound care, and dietary restrictions.
Post-Extraction Care
It is important to take proper care after removing a tooth to ensure a smooth recovery. Here are some post-extraction care tips:
Pain Management: To relieve pain, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers or have your dentist prescribe medications for you.
Oral Hygiene: Keep brushing and flossing your teeth, but do not touch the extraction site for the first few days.
Diet: Go for soft foods as much as possible, without hot, spicy, and crunchy foods. Avoid also using straws because suction would cause blood clots to form during the extraction.
Rest: Give your body a day or two to heal before resuming your strenuous activities.
Follow-Up: You should attend any follow-up appointments that are scheduled to make sure your extraction site has good healing.
Some might even describe tooth extraction as an intimidating experience, although it may be needed to ensure your overall dental health. Be assured by the dentist’s expertise and have their suggestions as well. Tooth extractions are aimed at maintaining your healthy state of teeth and your great smile.