You only have one set of adult teeth, so taking good care of them is of the utmost importance. You know to brush twice a day and floss daily, but there is so much more to dental health. On this website, we've compiled articles to help you boost your personal knowledge of oral health and dental care. From brushing tips to ideas for snacks that won't case cavities, it's all here. We are not dentists, but we scoured the internet for factual information, and we're confident your dentist will approve of what you're learning. Grab your favorite tooth-healthy snack, and start reading.
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The Truth About Teeth
3 Important Things To Always Know Before Considering Dental Extractions
Lonnie Davidson
If a specific tooth is extremely painful or decayed, it can be removed from its socket, a process known as tooth extraction. On most occasions, the procedure is performed by a general dentist, periodontist, or oral surgeon. Although tooth extraction is not always the best option, the dentist may recommend it when the tooth is severely damaged by decay and irreparable. In such a case, the tooth must be removed to prevent the infection from spreading to the neighboring teeth.
Here are three essential things that you should always know before going for a dental extraction:
1. The Decayed Tooth Can Often Be Salvaged
Before opting for a dental extraction, talk to your dentist about the probability of saving the natural tooth. Always remember that tooth extraction should be an option in case of severe decay. In most cases, the dental surgeon recommends a root canal treatment that involves the following:
- Removing the infected or inflamed pulp.
- Cleaning and disinfecting the inside of the tooth.
- Sealing or filling the tooth to prevent the future entry of food particles and bacteria.
2. The Doctor Will Perform Either of the Two Types of Dental Extractions
In the case that the tooth cannot be salvaged, a tooth extraction is inevitable. The dental surgeon will assess the tooth and suggest an extraction procedure that is appropriate for you. Typically, there are two types of dental extractions:
- Simple Extraction: If the tooth is visible in the mouth, you should expect a simple extraction. This procedure can be performed by a general dentist and only takes a few minutes. With local anesthesia, you don't have to worry about pain.
- Surgical Extraction: If the infected tooth is not easily accessible inside the mouth, mainly if it's fractured under the gum, you will undergo a surgical extraction, whereby the surgeon makes an incision into the connective tissues to gain access to the tooth. In most cases, the tooth cannot be removed without fragmenting it into several pieces.
3. After a Dental Extraction, Consider a Dental Implant
Unless if you want to remain toothless, it's advisable to have the removed tooth replaced. The dental surgeon may recommend a dental implant procedure that involves the following:
- Making an incision into the jawbone
- Placing a titanium screw into your jawbone to act as the new tooth root
- Placing connectors upon which the new artificial teeth are mounted
- Placing the new artificial tooth that looks more like the natural ones
Conclusion
Deciding to undergo a dental extraction may seem to be the only choice for a painful tooth, especially if the toothache has given you several sleepless nights. However, the dentist will examine the tooth first and determine if it can be saved. If it is removed, you can replace it with an implant.
For more information, contact a local dentist that provides dental extractions.
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