Why do i need a tooth extraction ?

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In many cases, teeth that are broken or damaged by decay can be fixed with a filling, crown, or other dental treatment. The damage is too severe to repair, so your dentist will recommend extraction.

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Reasons extraction might be needed: 

• Decay has reached deep into the tooth

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• Infection has destroyed a large portion of the tooth or the surrounding bone

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• There isn’t enough room for all the teeth in your mouth

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• Extra teeth block other teeth from coming in

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• Baby teeth don't fall out in time for the permanent teeth to come in

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• People getting braces or other orthodontic treatment may need teeth extracted to create room for the teeth that will be moved into place.

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• Wisdom teeth, also called third molars, are often extracted either before or after they come in during the late teens or early 20s.

Post extraction care

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The most important thing to keep up with after a tooth extraction is keeping the area clean and preventing infection. Immediately following the procedure, your dentist will ask you to bite down gently on a piece of dry, sterile gauze, which you should keep in place for up to 30 to 45 minutes to limit bleeding, while clotting takes place. You can expect a certain amount of pain and discomfort following an extraction. In some cases, your dentist will recommend a pain killer or prescribe one for you. 

Here are a few tips to help minimize your discomfort and speed recovery:

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• You can put ice packs on your face to reduce swelling. Alternate 20 minute on and 20 minutes off.

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• Eat soft and cool foods for a few days.

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• Starting 24 hours after surgery, swish with warm salt water. Use one-half teaspoon of salt in a cup of water.

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• You should not smoke, use a straw or spit after surgery. These actions can pull the blood clot out of the hole where the tooth was.

Myths about extraction

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Tooth Extractions Are Painful-  This is not the case. Modern dentists use minimally invasive extraction methods and advanced anesthetic to ensure the comfort of patients throughout the entire process. The entire process usually takes just a few minutes, so it’s over before you know it. There may be a little bit of pain and discomfort after the tooth is removed, but this can be treated with prescription painkillers.

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Everyone Needs Their Wisdom Teeth Pulled- Most modern dentists don’t think extractions are always necessary for wisdom teeth.In some cases, wisdom teeth may erupt properly without any ill effects, especially among patients who have extra space in their mouths.To determine whether or not your wisdom teeth should be removed, a comprehensive oral examination is needed that include x-rays. If it turns out that your wisdom teeth do not pose a threat to your oral health, they may not need to be pulled at all!

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Extracting an Infected or Damaged Tooth Is Always the Best Option- As a rule, it’s always better to try to save a tooth. Typically, a root canal and crown is recommended for a damaged or infected tooth. While pulling a damaged tooth may be the right call in some cases, it’s usually better to try to preserve as much of the remaining tooth as possible.If you choose to have a tooth extracted, your teeth may begin to shift in your mouth, and you’ll need an expensive dental bridge, dental implant or partial denture to repair your smile. These are all usually a more costly option when compared to a root canal.