Tooth extractions are performed routinely by dentists in their clinics. Saving remaining teeth from damage and protecting oral hygiene is one of the main reasons tooth extractions are done. Common conditions like overcrowding of teeth, infection or decay in the teeth will definitely need the tooth to be extracted.
Dentists will perform an X-ray of the teeth before extraction is being planned. This dental check-up will involve doing a comprehensive oral examination. This will also involve obtaining information on the medical history of the person. The medicines that are consumed – vitamins, supplements or other drugs for any other disease conditions – all this information needs to be shared with dentists. This is important as this information will affect how further treatment is being carried out.
There are two types of teeth extractions – simple and surgical extractions. Simple teeth extraction will involve numbing the area around the teeth to be removed. This helps in cutting off the pain during the procedure. Surgical teeth extraction will be making an incision on the gum. It might require cutting the bone structure and removing the affected teeth.
Surgical teeth extractions are more complex in nature. It will also require certain instructions given by the dentist are followed after the procedure as well. Dentists will inform you not to consume food or drinks for the first few hours. Brushing will force the stitch to open. Hence that should be avoided. Washing the mouth gently with mouth wash can be done to maintain oral hygiene.
To help with the pain, pain killers will be prescribed. Care should be taken if the bleeding does not stop. Any other discharge or swelling in the area which has been operated on shouldn’t be ignored and dentists should be consulted immediately.
Irreversible Tooth decay
Removing tooth that cannot be saved by any dental procedures needs to be extracted. Most of the dental procedures are aimed at repairing the damaged tooth and saving the natural tooth. But sometimes conditions are such that it needs to be pulled out lest the whole oral hygiene is compromised.
Procedures like root canal aim to save the natural teeth. This will be decided by the dentist when the oral examination is conducted. But if the decay has spread and it is at a state where it can affect the neighbouring gum tissues then extraction is performed.
Infected gums
Ignoring brushing can lead to plaque building up on the gums. The uncleaned mouth will retain some food particles between its teeth. Bacteria will act upon it and build plaque. This can be seen as a coating on the teeth.
When unchecked the acid released by the bacteria will work on the teeth, affecting the protective enamel and later the teeth structure. When this goes unchecked, the whole teeth can get dislodged from its roots. Then tooth extraction would be the only way suggested by the dentists.
Damaging the bone structure
Most people ignore loose teeth and would think it will fall off by itself. This is the worst decision anyone can take. When a tooth is decayed, the body itself will work to remove the damaged tooth. When this happens, the surrounding healthy tissue is also weakened. So a person will end up losing the decayed tooth as well as healthy gum and bone tissue.
It is thus imperative and safe to consult a dentist when your teeth show discolouration or shake slightly. Dentists will be able to guide you with measures and steps to be taken – this can help save the teeth from being removed as well. Some would have needed dental implants when they look for tooth replacements. Implants need good bone structure to support it. If the basic structure is damaged then replacement procedures cannot be done.
After accidents
It is not always damaged teeth that are extracted. Sometimes as a result of accidents this might be recommended by dentists. Saving the teeth is always the first option considered, but if the tooth is beyond repair then extraction is suggested. This will be recommended after procedures such as dental crowns, veneers etc. are found not suitable.
The same principle is followed when injuries happen due to contact sports. Playing basketball, football, skiing or skating often results in injury. If saving the tooth is not possible then extraction is suggested by dentists. It is always in emergency situations that tooth extraction is often conducted.
It helps to know some of the major signs and symptoms that warranty tooth extraction. Pain is experienced commonly by almost all when there are dental problems. When tooth pain is experienced, the normal tendency is to ignore it. The belief is that pain will go away on its own. This pain will increase when one is chewing food. This pain might also be accompanied by bad odour. All these are indications that teeth have been affected. It indicates that infection has started in the teeth and it requires immediate care.
It is important that extra care is given to oral cleanliness. Brushing and flossing of teeth should be done with more care after procedures are completed. That is after the required time not to strain the teeth has elapsed. Brushing twice a day after consuming food is important. Brushing before going to bed helps to remove food particles that are lodged in between teeth. This will greatly reduce the chances of tooth decay.
Not just cleaning procedures, but food habits are also important. Consuming junk food and drinks affect the health of teeth greatly. They erode the dental enamel and also affect the structure of teeth. Too much of caffeine, sodas can also affect the health of teeth.
Not all dental problems will have visible and noticeable symptoms. Going for regular dental consultations will help to provide the correct picture of dental health. What are the procedures one must follow to maintain and increase oral health, what is the diet that needs to be changed – all this information can be obtained during the consultation.