Why Might I Need a Tooth Extraction?
Tooth extractions are sometimes necessary. Your dentist at East Quarter Dental may recommend an extraction for several reasons. Common reasons you may need a tooth extraction in Dallas, TX, include severe decay, infection, and crowding.
Severe tooth decay can compromise the tooth structure. Infection can spread to other teeth or gums. Crowding can affect the alignment of your teeth. Dental extractions are necessary when a tooth suffers from trauma. Trauma or accidents can lead to irreparable damage, and your dentist may remove the tooth. Wisdom teeth often require removal because they can lead to pain or misalignment. Wisdom teeth can also become impacted and cause further problems.
Types of Tooth Extractions
There are two main types of tooth extractions:
- Simple Extractions: These are for visible teeth. A simple extraction is straightforward and quick. Your dentist will administer a local anesthetic and then loosen and remove the tooth. Simple extractions usually have a fast recovery time.
- Surgical Extractions: These are for teeth your dentist cannot easily access. They require complex oral surgery that involves cutting into your gums to access the tooth. They may need to remove bone from around the tooth. Surgical extractions are common for impacted teeth. However, the recovery for surgical extractions is longer than simple extractions.
Wisdom Teeth Extractions
For most people, wisdom teeth cause problems. Since they do not emerge properly, they often become impacted. Impacted wisdom teeth will likely lead to pain and infection and push other teeth out of alignment.
It is a common practice in our office to remove wisdom teeth to prevent future issues. The removal process is similar to other extractions however, it may require surgery.
Your wisdom teeth are located at the back of the mouth, making them hard to access. Your dentist may need to cut through gum and bone to remove the entire tooth.
Recovery from wisdom teeth extraction can be longer than a regular extraction. You may experience swelling and discomfort; however, if you follow post-operative care, you should heal quickly.
Recovery After Tooth Extractions
Following our advice after tooth extractions will help you recover properly. If you follow directions, your healing should be quick and easy. Follow these steps for a smooth recovery:
- Rest for at least 24 hours. Physical activity can disrupt the healing process.
- Avoid strenuous activities. This includes exercise and heavy lifting.
- Apply ice packs to reduce swelling. Use them for 15 minutes at a time.
- Take prescribed painkillers as directed. Over-the-counter options can also help.
- Rinse your mouth with saltwater. This helps keep the area clean.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol. They can interfere with healing.
- Eat soft foods. Avoid hard or crunchy items that can irritate the extraction site.
- Keep your head elevated. This helps reduce swelling and bleeding.
We want you to monitor the extraction site for signs of complications. These include excessive bleeding and severe pain. Also, watch for signs of infection like fever and pus. Contact your dentist if you experience any of these symptoms.
What are the Potential Complications After a Tooth Extraction?
Complications can occur after extractions. The most common issues include dry sockets and infection. A dry socket can occur when the blood clot comes loose and falls out. You will know if this occurs because it leads to severe pain. The underlying bone and nerves become exposed when the clot is no longer in the socket. You will require quick dental care if you get a dry socket.
If bacteria enter the wound, infection can develop. Symptoms include redness, swelling, and pus. Fever may also indicate an infection at the site. You will likely need antibiotics to treat it.
Other complications include prolonged bleeding and nerve damage. Nerve damage can cause numbness or tingling. These symptoms usually resolve over time; however, please contact us if they persist.
How Can I Prevent a Tooth Extraction?
We suggest that you take preventive measures to reduce your risk of needing an extraction. Daily oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups are vital. Regular dentist appointments will help your dentist detect issues early, allowing for less invasive treatments.
Good at-home oral hygiene includes brushing and flossing daily. We suggest that you use fluoride toothpaste for added protection. You should avoid sugary foods and drinks because they contribute to tooth decay. Wearing a custom mouthguard if you suffer from teeth grinding can also save your teeth from permanent damage.