Tooth Extractions
Even one missing tooth can have negative effects on your oral health. Of course, there is the obvious downside of the appearance of your smile, but a missing tooth can even affect your health.
Once you realize the possible negative results caused by tooth extraction, it becomes readily apparent that consistent oral hygiene is a necessity. Your first line of defense against an extraction is faithful brushing, flossing, and rinsing. Your next line of defense is commitment to your regular office exams and cleanings.
It is important for you to take every step you can to avoid the necessity of a tooth extraction. There are still situations where extraction becomes a necessity. Tooth extraction may be unavoidable in the following situations:
- Tooth decay that has reached advanced stages
- Infection or abscesses in advanced stages
- Gum disease that has reached advanced stages
- Teeth that have been impacted into the gums
- A seriously fractured tooth
Our dental team is committed to preserving your natural teeth whenever possible. When he reaches the conclusion that extraction is necessary, he will make use of x-rays to gather as much information as possible about the tooth and its possible extraction. In the worst cases, he may feel it is best to refer you to an oral surgeon for complicated extractions.
By definition, extraction involves the removal of a tooth from its socket in the jawbone. This procedure certainly carries a risk of pain and discomfort. Thankfully, a skilled dentist with proper training is able to reduce your pain and anxiety to a large degree. Also factoring into the extraction is the level of tooth decay, the position of the tooth, the strength of the tooth, and the strength of the attached ligaments. Again, a skilled dentist will be able to minimize the pain and discomfort you may feel during the extraction.
Once the extraction has been completed, your dentist and his staff will use ice packs on the areas of your face that have been most affected by the extraction. These ice-packs will be used at 15-minutes intervals and will provide much-appreciated relief. The dentist will also prescribe a pain killer for you to use as needed. In most situations, the discomfort should gradually subside within three days to two weeks. If severe pain, swelling, bleeding, or fever persists, you will want to contact your dentist’s office.