Dentists will make every attempt possible to save a natural tooth – even when a tooth is broken or has significant decay. The ideal solution is always to restore it using a filling, crown, or other procedure. If restoration is not possible or advisable due to the condition of the tooth, an extraction may be recommended to prevent infection and achieve or maintain oral health.
A dental extraction may be beneficial when:
Most extractions can be performed with the use of local anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth. The tooth is then gently loosened and removed. Immediately after the tooth is removed, gauze pads are placed for the patient to bite down on the tooth socket to apply pressure and stop bleeding. Stitches are sometimes needed, and may dissolve or require removal at a follow-up appointment.
While an extracted tooth is the last resort, there are certain situations that may warrant it – and benefit you, too. A few of these include:
It is important to take 2 to 3 days to rest with light physical activity after your extraction. After that, it is usually safe to return to your regular routine. Keep in mind that it does take a couple of weeks – or more – for the soft tissue around the extraction site to fully heal.
No. With the use of local anesthesia, there is no pain felt during the procedure. Once it wears off, you may experience some minor discomfort. This is temporary. We will discuss all aftercare instructions with you.
There is no limit to the number of teeth that can be extracted at once. It will depend on the reason for the extraction – and may be used when there is severe tooth decay impacting several teeth.
Once the extraction area is healed, you will want to discuss your options for a tooth replacement, such as a dental implant. Leaving the space empty can make the surrounding teeth vulnerable and may cause shifting over time. Not only will this affect your smile, but it can also throw off your bite alignment.
Contact our office today to request your appointment!
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