Tooth extraction can relieve pain and discomfort, remove immediate threats to oral health, and open the door to more functional tooth replacements. While we strive to preserve your natural teeth for as long as possible, sometimes extractions are necessary. With the help of a general dentist, learn why there is no need to fear having a tooth pulled.
Tooth extraction is usually required to treat a tooth that is completely rotted within the arch. It is used as a last effort to restore the oral cavity's overall health. Of course, in some situations, tooth extraction is also recommended for those who do not have enough space in their mouth for the tooth. While this may be surprising, it is common for individuals with small oral cavities.
It may also be necessary for broken teeth that have broken through the pulp chamber or roots. Both cases are typically seen as unsalvageable.
An extraction may be performed using one of two procedures. The first is a simple extraction, in which the general dentist numbs the gums with a local anesthetic and gently loosens the tooth before pulling it clean from the socket. Per Healthline, dentists employ this procedure when the tooth is mostly visible and intact.
If the tooth is not intact or is mostly buried below the gum line, the dentist will recommend a surgical extraction. This extraction involves cutting into the gum line and removing the tooth in pieces. The dentist may also need to remove some of the bone around the tooth.
Once the tooth extraction is complete, the area may feel sore for a few days. The general dentist can prescribe pain medication or recommend over-the-counter painkillers for this time. Most patients feel much better once this initial pain subsides due to the healing phase commencing and the previous pain subsiding.
Tooth extraction and replacement go hand in hand. Together, they give patients a fully restored, pain-free smile. Patients will not have to worry about their remaining teeth shifting into the space left by an extracted tooth or difficulty chewing or speaking. The most common tooth replacements after extraction are as follows:
A general dentist can discuss these options in greater detail and help patients choose the right one for their oral health. For instance, patients who want a more permanent, natural-feeling false tooth may opt for an implant, while those looking for a removable option are happier with flipper teeth or partial dentures.
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There is much to know about getting a tooth pulled and eventually replacing it. Thankfully, we are here to help. Our general dentist can perform a consultation appointment to determine the most suitable route. Reach out today to schedule an appointment.
Request an appointment or call Burba Dental Partners at 978-703-2008 for an appointment in our Salem office.
General dentists, like any dental professional, strive to help patients keep all of their natural teeth. However, tooth extraction may be the only solution when gum disease becomes severe. A dentist can perform this oral health-saving procedure and recommend options to restore fullness to a patient's smile.Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is an oral health…
Tooth extraction, whether by professional intervention or through trauma, needs to be replaced as soon as healing allows. Healing can vary depending on the number of teeth extracted and the extraction type. The same can be said for the replacement options. The type the dentist introduces will depend on the number of teeth needing replacement,…
A general dentist will try and save natural teeth when possible. However, in certain circumstances, tooth extraction is either the only option or the most appropriate one for preserving oral health. The following are some key examples of situations where a dentist might recommend a tooth extraction.Sometimes, a tooth is too damaged or decayed to…