Read This To Learn About When Tooth Extraction Is Necessary
Oftentimes, tooth extraction is considered as the last resort for damaged teeth. Patients who are
candidates for a tooth extraction are often hesitant because of the pain it causes after the procedure.
Some even have to take painkillers to relieve the pain. But there are also instances when a tooth extraction
is necessary because teeth are supposed to be taken out as part of proper oral care.
If you have no idea of whether your teeth are up for tooth extraction and you haven’t seen your dentist
yet, then this is a great post to read. Learn more about tooth extraction and whether or not you’re
supposed to get one on this page.
What is Tooth Extraction?
First of all, what is tooth extraction? Simply put, tooth extraction refers to the whole process of removing
your teeth right from the jawbone. It can be because of several reasons mentioned above (they will be
discussed in more depth below).
There are two kinds of tooth extraction – simple extraction and surgical extraction. Simple extraction refers
to the outpatient procedure wherein the dentist can remove the tooth simply by using his or her forceps.
On the other hand, a surgical extraction is more complicated as it needs anesthesia for the patient not to
feel any pain during the procedure.
When a surgical extraction is recommended, the patient will be asked what forms of anesthesia they are
comfortable with. In some cases, they are given painkillers as the teeth will most likely hurt right after the
surgery. For those who are up for surgical extraction, have the operation scheduled and ask someone to
pick you up since you might get groggy after.
How to Know If You Need Tooth Extraction
There are many reasons as to why your dentist will recommend a tooth extraction. Like what has been said
earlier, if it isn’t for any other tooth procedure, tooth extraction is the last resort for damaged teeth.
1. If your teeth are damaged beyond repair
When a dentist tells you that you need tooth extraction because your teeth are too damaged, it only
means that your teeth can no longer be saved using crowns or by putting protection over it.
Most patients do not prefer to have a missing tooth for a long time. In fact, a lot of people already prepare
for getting a tooth replacement right after the extraction procedure. Tooth replacement options are
dentures and implants. If you are looking for a more realistic feel of a real tooth, then implants are for you
because the replacement tooth will actually be put into your jawbone similar to how natural teeth are. At
the same time, implants can also have a crown installed on them for more protection.
2. If you need to take out a wisdom tooth
Wisdom teeth are usually found at the very back of your teeth, near your throat. It can be found both at
the top and the bottom and are usually crooked and misaligned with the rest of your teeth.
Since wisdom teeth are not needed and often cause pain, they are usually taken out through tooth
extraction. This is also because most of the time, wisdom teeth only make it more crowded for permanent
ones to grow. When there isn’t enough space for your other teeth, they become more misaligned and can
cause more damage to the rest of your teeth.
Because wisdom teeth are deeply rooted in your jawbone, a surgical extraction is needed for it to be
properly removed. This will often hurt but don’t worry, you’ll be under anesthesia that will help numb your
mouth for a time.
3. If you need to make way for other teeth
Already mentioned above is when your whole set of teeth is crowded and some temporary teeth are
getting in the way for permanent teeth to grow. If this happens to you, then you have to take out the
temporary teeth for your permanent teeth to grow properly. When you delay this, your gums might hurt
and your other teeth become damaged as the permanent tooth will find a way to grow on its own. In
effect, your teeth will be more misaligned and your smile crooked.
There are other reasons for why you can be a candidate for tooth extraction. Ask your dentist about it so
you can also look at other ways to treat your teeth.