An extraction is the removal of a tooth from its socket within the jawbone. The tooth may be removed due to decay, infection, trauma, or to make room in the mouth for other teeth.
When is a Tooth Extraction needed?
When a tooth is severely decayed or severely damaged by trauma, it may need to be extracted. A severely decayed tooth is one that has lost so much tooth structure that there isn’t enough healthy tooth left to hold a filling. A severely damaged tooth is one that has been fractured, cracked, or shattered by trauma.
Some of the most common indications for extraction include:
- Impacted wisdom teeth
- Severe tooth decay
- Periodontal disease
- Injury
- Orthodontic treatment
Types of Tooth Extraction
The most common type of tooth extraction is a simple extraction. It is performed when the patient’s tooth is easily visible and lies above the gum line. During a simple extraction, the dentist uses an elevator to loosen the tooth. Then, using forceps, the tooth is removed from your mouth.
However, some teeth cannot be removed with this simple procedure. If the tooth is impacted or is beneath the gum line, the patient might need a surgical tooth extraction. During a surgical extraction, the dentist will use local anesthesia to numb the area to prevent the patient from feeling any pain. Then, the dentist will make a small incision in your gums to access the affected tooth and will remove the tooth from your mouth.
What to Do After Tooth Extraction?
Your dentist will provide you with a care guide after your extraction. This guide will instruct you on how to deal with pain, what to eat, how to take care of your mouth, and more. Follow these instructions to lower the risk of complications, such as a dry socket.
These are the basic guidelines to be followed after tooth extraction:
- Avoid touching the area with your tongue or fingers, and avoid drinking liquids through that area.
- If a blood clot forms, avoid disturbing it.
- Avoid smoking or drinking through a straw. This can cause the blood clot to dislodge.
- Eat soft and cold foods for the first few days.
- Keep the area clean with salt water rinses.
- Take any medications as directed.
- Don’t skip your dental checkups.
- Brush and floss your teeth as you normally would.
Tooth Replacement Options
If your tooth is extracted, your dentist will talk to you about replacing it with a dental implant. A dental implant is an artificial tooth root surgically placed into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge. A dental implant is often the best choice for replacing a missing tooth because it restores both the root and the tooth’s function and appearance.
Contact Progressive Dental to learn more about dental extraction. Schedule an appointment with our dentist by calling Dentist in Ann Arbor, MI at (734) 930-4022 or visit our office at 24 Frank Lloyd Wright Drive Lobby A, Ann Arbor, MI 48105.