Dental Extractions – Three Things You Need to Know Before Getting Your Teeth Removed
Pulling your teeth can be a painful process– not the procedure per se, but the aftermath of it. When you remove your permanent teeth, they do not grow back, rather, you are left with spaces between your teeth. These gaps are not only unsightly, but they can damage your oral health. That is the reason why our dentist recommends dental extractions in Calgary, AB, as a last resort.
We first focus on other treatments that may preserve your teeth, like a root canal.
However, there are times when tooth extraction may be the only course of treatment to maintain the integrity of your teeth.
What is a Dental Extraction?
The purpose of extracting a tooth is to remove it from the oral cavity. Extractions are generally performed when the tooth is either already dead or has lost its vital support structures.
The teeth can become so damaged that they cannot be treated with any tooth restoration procedure, and you will need a dental extraction near you.
The dentist may perform a simple extraction, which is done on visible teeth and lie above the gums. If you have impacted teeth, the surgical extraction may be more suitable.
- Teeth removal is done when necessary
Several dental situations can be solved only by extraction. A dentist near you will recommend a tooth removal process if:
- Severe tooth decay
The type of decay determines the treatment required. For mild decay, fillings are often used to address the situation. If the decay extends to the pulp, the dentist may opt for a root canal. But in case of severe tooth decay, extraction is the only remedy available to save your jaw structure.
- Wisdom teeth extraction
Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last set of molars that erupt in the mouth. The vast majority of people with wisdom teeth either have partial or complete impacted teeth. This occurs when there is a lack of jaw space for the teeth to fit.
Impacted teeth can be a source of pain and discomfort, and that is why you may need to have them removed.
- Overcrowded teeth
Teeth overcrowding is not only a cosmetic issue but also a health problem. The teeth are too tightly packed together, causing them to wear down prematurely. Common symptoms of overcrowded teeth include pain and discomfort when chewing or talking and difficulties with cleaning and flossing the teeth. These issues increase the risk for gum disease and tooth decay. Overcrowded teeth can also affect your alignment and cause jaw problems too. Teeth extraction may be necessary to remove the teeth and restore healthy bite alignment.
- The process of pulling the teeth is not as complicated
The procedure typically involves numbing the area around the tooth with a local anesthetic and then removing the teeth with forceps. The extraction site is then packed with cotton wool soaked in antiseptic. You may need stitches if a surgical extraction is done.
- Aftercare is crucial to your gum healing
After dental extraction, it’s very important to follow some basic post-extraction care instructions.
Some of the most important things that you should do after tooth extraction are:
- Change the gauze every few hours, or when it becomes saturated with blood or saliva.
- Rinse your mouth with warm salt water (1/4 teaspoon salt in 8 ounces of warm water) every 2 hours.
- Don’t eat any solid food for at least 4 hours after an extraction.
- Take pain medication, if necessary.
Rarely will you experience any issues during the healing period if you follow the instructions. However, if you experience swelling and pain accompanied by fever, visit a dentist’s office near you.
How Can You Prevent Dental Extractions?
Taking care of your teeth is important for preventing dental extractions.
Use these tips to help you with this goal:
- Brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day and use an antiseptic mouthwash to reduce the number of bacteria on the tongue
- Drink plenty of water every day because it increases saliva production (and fewer bacteria in the mouth).
- Stick to a healthy diet (full of vegetables), which will reduce instances of plaque buildup.
- See your dentist in SW Calgary regularly for professional checkups and cleanings, as well as any necessary treatment.
Visit Dental at the Met for more information on how you can prevent tooth extraction.