Sometimes it is necessary to have a tooth removed in order to restore proper oral health.
We all want our natural teeth to last for a lifetime, but the reality is that certain issues can occur over time. There are cases where it is necessary to have a tooth extracted, and although this may sound scary, your dentist will do everything they can to make the process as pain-free as possible. They will also let you know what restorative options are available so that you can enjoy full oral function, as well as a beautiful smile after your extraction procedure. Read on to find out when an extraction is required, and what you can expect from the process…
Why are teeth extracted?
When a tooth has been severely damaged as the result of tooth decay, it may need to be removed. In fact, this is one of the most common reasons for an extraction. Another common reason is damage caused by trauma — sometimes in the case of an accident, sports injury or hard fall, a tooth is knocked out or broken and cannot be saved.
Other possible reasons for an extraction include crowding, in which case teeth need be removed to make space in the mouth before orthodontic treatment can begin; infection that affects the soft pulp of a tooth; and severe periodontal disease, especially when an infection of the tissues and bones has caused one or more teeth to loosen.
What does the procedure involve?
If you are struggling with severe tooth decay, or another issue that has damaged your tooth beyond repair, your dentist may recommend an extraction. Before the procedure begins, your dentist will administer a local anaesthetic to the site of treatment. This means that you won’t feel anything while your tooth is being removed.
If you have an impacted tooth, which is a common issue in the case of wisdom teeth, your dentist will cut the gum and bone that is covering the tooth before carefully loosening and removing the tooth. If the tooth is particularly difficult to remove, your dentist may cut it into smaller pieces.
When your tooth has been successfully removed, it is common for a blood clot to form in the socket. Your dentist will place a piece of gauze into the socket, which will help to stop the bleeding. In some cases, the site of extraction may need to be stitched closed.
What is the recovery like?
Although you won’t feel any pain during the extraction procedure itself, you are likely to experience some discomfort once the effects of the anaesthetic have worn off. Your dentist may prescribe some painkillers, or recommend that you take some over-the-counter medication to ease any discomfort that you feel.
It is advisable that you bite down gently on the gauze that your dentist has placed in the socket — this will minimise bleeding. You can apply a cold compress to the site of treatment to reduce swelling.
During your recovery period, it is best to stick to soft and liquid foods that are easy to eat and which don’t require much chewing. Some good options include soups, mashed fruits and vegetables, and natural yoghurt.
How can we help?
At Beenleigh Marketplace Dental, we offer a comprehensive range of general and restorative dental services. If you need to have a tooth extracted and would like to restore your smile, we encourage you to come in and see us so that we can discuss your treatment options with you. We will guide you through the treatment that is most appropriate for you and address any questions that you have along the way.
If you would like to find out more about the range of services that we provide at Beenleigh Marketplace Dental, please have a look here.
If you would like arrange a consultation with us, please don’t hesitate to get in touch or give us a call on (07) 3801 8799.