Your tooth may be damaged for several reasons like decay, trauma, or periodontal disease. When extensive damage cannot be managed through regular dental fillings, root canals, or crowns, your dentist may recommend tooth extractions.
The dentist in Sacramento, CA offers teeth extractions to prevent damage to the remaining natural teeth. This also helps eliminate bacteria and improve your overall oral health. Let’s explore more about tooth extractions!
What is tooth extraction?
Tooth extraction is a common dental procedure involving the removal of a tooth from its socket in the jawbone. It may be necessary due to various reasons such as severe tooth decay, advanced gum disease, impacted wisdom teeth, or to create space for orthodontic treatment.
Why are extractions needed?
Your dentist may prefer to save natural teeth whenever possible. But sometimes other dental solutions like fillings and crowns are not enough. If you suffer from extreme tooth damage that is past the point of repair, then removal may be necessary.
Your dentist may recommend tooth extraction if you have:
- Severe tooth decay
- A fractured tooth
- An impacted tooth
- Crowded teeth
- Severe gum disease
- Dental injuries like tooth luxation
What happens before a tooth extraction?
Your dentist will evaluate the damaged tooth and order dental X-rays. These radiographs help the dentist assess bone health and the extent of tooth damage. Be sure to inform your dentist about your medical history, past dental surgeries, and medications if being taken. These may hinder the healing process due to issues with blood clotting. Your dentist will discuss the suitable sedation options to numb your teeth and reduce your anxiety during the procedure.
What happens during a tooth extraction?
You can expect the following during tooth extraction:
- Your dentist will numb the area around the tooth with local anesthesia.
- Special instruments will be used to loosen the tooth from its socket.
- You may need gum incisions for inaccessible teeth like impaction.
- Once the tooth is removed from the socket, the wound area will be cleaned and disinfected.
- Your dentist may place a bone graft to promote bone regeneration in case of deficient bone.
- Finally, the wound will be sutured.
What happens after a tooth extraction?
Once your dentist sutures the extraction site, they will place a small gauze to arrest healing and promote the formation of blood count. You may regain sensation after about two hours. Remember not to eat anything hard, hot, or spicy. take medications as prescribed by your dentist.
Takeaway
While the thought of tooth extraction may seem daunting, advancements in dentistry have made the procedure relatively quick, efficient, and comfortable. Your dentist will carefully evaluate your dental condition and discuss the best treatment options for you, ensuring a smooth and successful extraction process.