A tooth can require an extraction for mainly three reasons: the tooth has developed decay or trauma that cannot be effectively treated, the tooth becomes impacted, or the jaw may be too small to house all the teeth necessary for a complete bite. Here is what you need to know about tooth extractions, when it’s necessary, and what you can expect afterwards.
How do I know if I need an Extraction?
There are several reasons for needing an extraction:
Decay
When a tooth has suffered from severe decay and can no longer be restored, the patient’s best bet for remaining healthy is to extract that tooth. Unattended tooth decay can lead to a host of health complications: heart disease, diabetes, and difficulty maintaining a proper diet. Extracting the tooth saves the dental system from contamination, persevering the health and structure of the smile.
Impacted Teeth
Teeth, especially wisdom teeth, may grow in odd angles. When this occurs, teeth that have already erupted may receive pressure and start to shift. Removing the impacted tooth prior to allowing it from affecting other teeth is essential in maintaining the structure of teeth and keeping your smile straight.
Spacing Issues
Each patient is different. Some are born with smaller or larger mouth, which causes a problem when the amount and size of permanent teeth prevents the mouth from housing them comfortably. Extractions can relieve the mouth of unnecessary teeth and provide greater comfort for patients suffering from minor abnormalities. Extraction may also be a precursor to orthodontic care to ensure teeth have adequate space to move into an ideal position.
What to Expect After an Extraction
If your tooth has been extracted due to decay rather than spacing issues, the jaw bone requires support in order to preserve its structural integrity. When a tooth goes missing, teeth can shift, the jaw bone shrinks, and the dental system weakens. Replacing the tooth’s root shortly after an extraction with a dental implant prevents these conditions, keeping the jaw intact. A flipper or temporary prosthetic may be given to patients opting away from dental implants to prevent teeth from shifting.
Once your dentist has completed the extraction procedure, you must keep the site of extraction clean. Prepare your diet by choosing soft foods and refrain from smoking or using tobacco products. Make sure to be gentle when brushing, as pressure can greatly increase your chances of reopening the wound.
The healing process can take two weeks to allow proper functionality to return, but up to six months to receive complete function back into your bite.
Learn More!
To learn more about when you may need an extraction, visit Orange Family Dental Care and schedule an appointment with Dr. Samra. Call us today!