When Should You Consider Tooth Extraction?
Impaction
Tooth impaction is when the growth of one tooth pushes directly against another. This tooth is prone to infection which causes red, swollen, tender, and in some cases bleeding gums. Reports of people with this condition include pain and swelling around the jaw and difficulty with opening mouths.
Commonly, this condition is caused by wisdom teeth. It happens when the third set of molars doesn’t have space around the mouth to grow upright which causes the teeth to grow inward. In such cases, it is advised to have the wisdom teeth removed as soon as possible to prevent any more damage to the other teeth.
Crowding of teeth.
Your orthodontist might recommend tooth extraction if your teeth are if there is crowding and/or shifting of teeth. Over time, these teeth can cause problems with the way the neighboring teeth grow. It can also cause tooth sensitivity and discomfort.
An infection has spread.
In case of a dental infection, you should visit a dental office at the earliest. The infection is easily identified because it causes pain and discomfort, making it difficult to carry out daily activities or in some cases extremely painful to chew food.
To treat the infection before it comes severe we recommend coming into the office at the first sign of tooth pain. If for some reason you have delayed your appointment and are now in intense pain, you might require tooth extraction to help with it. This is not ideal but helps in eliminating the source of the problem. We can then prescribe the proper antibiotics and also replace the teeth in the future with dental implants or crowns and bridges.
Extensive Decay
Cavities are holes in the teeth that are a result of tooth decay. It is good to note that cavities don’t appear overnight, and if caught in time can be treated with cleanings or root canals.
However, a cavity will worsen and get larger if left untreated for a longer period of time. If the cavity continues to grow and becomes too large to be treated, tooth extraction becomes necessary.
Gum Disease
Gum disease is when the gums pull away from the teeth, thus creating pockets that can get infected. It is one of the main causes of tooth loss. Due to bacterial toxins, the connective tissues and the bone that keeps the teeth in position start breaking down. If this is left untreated, the gums, bones, and tissues will be ruined, making the teeth weak and thus leading to tooth extraction.
What to Expect Before a Tooth Extraction?
Your dentist will perform a thorough examination of your teeth with X-rays before extraction begins. If you have an impacted tooth, your dentist may need to cut your gum tissue. This is to fully expose the tooth or cut the tooth into sections that make it easier to remove. They will then use forceps to gently take the tooth out of the gum. After extraction, the dentist will apply a few stitches or place a pad of gauze where the hole is. Follow-up appointments to keep the gum tissue healthy post-procedure will be scheduled.
Reach Out to Dental Hub
If you or anyone in your family are experiencing gum pain, the culprit could be impacted or infected wisdom teeth that need removal. Contact Dental Hub to make sure if your symptoms match the signs that you have a tooth that needs to be pulled. You can also make an appointment to see a dentist today.