Why Are Extractions Required?
We always try to preserve your natural teeth whenever possible. But in some cases, your tooth (or teeth) may need to be extracted or pulled for various reasons. Our dentists can determine the severity of the infection and whether or not the tooth needs to be extracted or whether it can be saved. The most common reasons for requiring extractions are:
- dental disease that makes the teeth not savable
- crowding of teeth which may be required for orthodontic treatment
- trauma to the teeth where the teeth are fractured of split beyond repair
- severe gum infections and nerve infections of teeth
What About Wisdom Teeth Extractions?
One of the most common extraction procedures is wisdom teeth extraction. It’s important to note that not all wisdom teeth need to be extracted. Only those that crowd or impact other teeth, will come through at an odd angle, are not coming in on their own, or are plagued by decay due to their unreachable location, are usually required to be removed.
What Happens During An Extraction?
If a tooth needs to be extracted, our dentist will administer local anesthetic to the area to thoroughly numb the nerves and soft tissue. The dentist will then use special instruments to safely remove the tooth. Bleeding during and after the procedure is normal, as the body works to heal and repair itself. New bone will also naturally grow in the place where the tooth’s roots used to be.
Home Care After Having Extractions
Proper recovery is important during the time post-extraction. First and foremost, it’s important to avoid anything that will impede the healing process and the following simple tips will help make the healing as smooth as possible:
- gentle warm salt water rinses are recommended should you feel the need to rinse your mouth out
- ice is great to use to bring the swelling down in the area of the extraction. Simply placing an ice pack to the face will help alleviate some of the discomfort
- regular brushing and flossing can be continued after the extraction, but it is important to avoid the areas directly next to the extraction site
- take pain medication as prescribed by our dentists to help control the discomfort for the first few days
If you have any major concerns after having an extraction, please call our friendly staff for advise and management.