A toothache is a problem that can occur at any time to anyone. It is the worst thing to wake up to. Tooth decay is a major cause of a toothache and needs extraction of the tooth to prevent further damage to the surrounding tissues and jaw bone. Tooth extraction is a dreaded procedure of preventive dentistry and people mostly try avoiding it. But you don’t need to worry. Dentists are always trying their best to minimize pain in the process of tooth extraction.
Why do teeth need an extraction?
Tooth extraction can be done for various problems in the teeth. A decayed tooth is one of the most common reasons for tooth extractions. Decayed teeth can affect the surrounding tissues and also lead to decay of the alveolar bone (jaw bone). Damaged teeth or partially broken teeth expose the pulp and the root and also extend the reach of harmful pathogens to the alveolar bone, leading to decay of the bone. Thus, decayed teeth need to be extracted. Teeth that become too loose need to be extracted and replaced, too, as they can induce pain whenever touched or moved. Crowded teeth in the mouth can be a nuisance and give your smile an abnormal look. Hence, a tooth or two are supposed to be extracted in order to set the remaining teeth into a natural position. The wisdom teeth that come out in the teenage or early 20s can impact the adjacent teeth and cause a lot of pain. Wisdom teeth need to be removed in order to save the impacted tooth from further damage and to recede the pain.
How is tooth extraction done?
Extraction of a tooth can only be suggested or prescribed by the dentist, based on the condition of your tooth. Minimal damage to the teeth, like chipping off of a tooth or misalignment, is generally treated without surgeries using dental bonding or braces. The dentist will first appoint a date for the extraction as the extraction needs time and planning. If you’re a smoker, you should stop smoking a day prior to the extraction as it will lead to dehydrated oral conditions and exposure of the alveolar bone. For the extraction, the dentist needs to know your detailed medical and dental treatment history and also about any allergies you have or medications you take. The dentist will provide you with some antibiotic drugs before beginning the extraction procedure to make sure there is no risk of infection from the surgery. The dentist will inject local anesthesia to the affected tooth to numb down the area and minimize pain. Generally, anesthesia is not needed in simple extractions for tooth decay but is necessary in case of impacted wisdom tooth removal. For the extraction, the dentist will make a small incision in the gums for better access to the root and jaw bone. The dentist then expands the socket in the jaw bone that holds the tooth. Finally, forceps are used to pull the tooth out of the socket. The dentist then applies stitches to the gums to seal the tissues and nerves inside.
If you experience pain in your teeth, you might be in need of a tooth extraction. Contact Downtown Dental for an appointment with our dentist and you’ll be advised wisely.
