If you have crowded and crooked teeth or an impacted wisdom tooth you may need a tooth extraction. Tooth extractions are a common general dental service, and are used to remove teeth that are overcrowded, infected, or decaying. Extraction not only helps remove the problem but improves the oral health of patients who undergo the procedure.
Reasons for Tooth Extraction
Teeth are extracted in cases where the teeth or gums have negatively impacted a patient’s oral health. Some common reasons for extraction include:
Periodontal Disease: Also known as gum disease, periodontal disease can easily impact the health of gums and teeth. Patients with excessive damage due to gum disease may need a tooth extraction.
Extensive Tooth Decay: A simple tooth extraction may be the only option in advanced cases of tooth decay. If a tooth or teeth can not be saved using conservative measures, then the tooth may need to be extracted to prevent decay from spreading and causing more damage.
Impacted Wisdom Tooth: Impacted wisdom teeth will need to be extracted in most cases because they may cause tooth or gum infection, tooth pain, or severe tooth damage to neighboring teeth. Patients who are in their late teens or early 20’s are the most likely candidates for wisdom teeth removal.
Overcrowding: Overcrowded teeth can lead to complex bite disorders, crooked teeth, excessive enamel wear, and jaw pain. Overcrowding can also increase the risk of tooth decay as it can be difficult to clean between crooked teeth. Removing overcrowded teeth can help alleviate painful symptoms and prevent gum disease.
The Tooth Extraction Procedure
A local anesthetic will be used to numb the area that is being treated to minimize tooth sensitivity. After the tooth or teeth are extracted, the open area will be rinsed, cleaned and then packed with gauze.
Dr. Dhara Patel may recommend dental implants, dental bridges, or dentures and partials to replace a missing tooth or teeth following the procedure. Restorative options can help prevent further gum and tooth problems by replacing missing teeth.
Tooth Extraction FAQs
Can I eat normally after tooth extraction?
After a tooth extraction dentists typically tell their patients to stick to a soft diet for at least 24 hours, but many patients continue the soft diet for a few days. Some foods that are common and easy to eat are yogurt, jell-o, milkshakes, pudding, and smoothies.
Can I brush with toothpaste after an extraction?
After performing a tooth extraction dentists tell their patients to avoid brushing the area that the tooth was extracted from for 3-4 days to let the gums clot and heal, and avoid dry socket. Patients are told to avoid brushing with toothpaste. It is best to rinse with water and wipe the area with gauze.
How long does it take for a tooth extraction to heal?
After having a tooth extracted your gums ended time to heal and form clots to protect the area. After 3 days post extraction patients gums should begin to heal and patients may begin to introduce foods other than their soft diet. Typically after a week or 10 days patients’ gums have healed and swelling is gone.
Request a Dental Exam Today
If you need one or more teeth extracted, call Best Dental Spa at 847.660.6603. You can also schedule an appointment with us online at your convenience and we will get back to you in a timely manner.