Do You Need a Tooth to be Extracted? What You Need to Consider

Though your teeth are supposed to last for your entire life, the truth is that most people need to have some sort of dental work in their lifetime. Some need it more than others. Some people need to have at least one or two teeth extracted throughout their lives. If your dentist has talked about it, he or she may have a good reason.

Here are some reasons why you may need to have a tooth (or two) extracted

• If you have too many teeth (or they are crowded)

  Some people have too many teeth in their mouths. Others have mouths that are simply too small for the number of teeth that they have in there (despite being the normal amount of teeth). It is often better to remove the teeth because it is hard to keep a mouth with crowded teeth healthy. It is really hard to get between the teeth and infection can grow quickly.

• If you have had an unsuccessful root canal

  There are times when a root canal doesn't work and the risk of infection is too much. It is much better to remove the bad tooth than to wait for the infection to set in.

• If you have any other risk of infection

  Those who have gone through chemotherapy or an organ transplant have to be very careful when it comes to infections. It is often better to remove any suspicious teeth than wait to see what happens.

• If you have a really bad infection

  If you are dealing with advanced periodontal (gum) disease, it may be easier to treat the disease if we get rid of the teeth that are making it worse.

• If you have trauma and may have broken a tooth

  If you have been hit in the face (or suffered some other sort of face trauma), you may have broken a tooth so bad that it needs to be extracted.

Here are the two types of extractions that you may have to have

• Simple

  A simple extraction is just like it sounds, simple. They are often done on the teeth that you see. We will first loosen the tooth and then remove it with forceps.

• Surgical

  This extraction is a little more complicated. It often needs to be done when you have had trauma. Often, it needs to be done if you have broken the tooth off at the gum line. We will need to make an incision so that we can remove the tooth and all of the roots. There are times when we need to remove some bones at the same time.

If you are facing an extraction, here are some things that you need to know

• Whether you are facing a simple or surgical extraction, you will be given a local anesthetic to numb your mouth

  We want to make the process as painless as possible. If you need to have several taken out, we may give you something more to make the procedure as comfortable as possible.

• Recovery depends on your exact procedure, though recovery generally lasts for one to two weeks

  You will notice that new bone and gum will grow into the spaces where your teeth used to be.

• You may struggle with chewing and eating for a few weeks

  Some people say that their mouth is sore for the first few weeks and chewing is difficult. Others complain of general aches and pains.

• Using a cold pack is often helpful, especially in the beginning

  We often recommend using a cold compress to reduce any swelling.

• You also need to take it easy for the first few days

  You are going to want to limit your activity for a few days, while your body heals.

Though it may sound scary, getting a tooth or two extracted may be the best option for you. You may have too many teeth and your oral health is suffering. You may also have to worry about infection and want to be proactive. If you are suffering from advanced periodontal (gum) disease, your best option may be to remove some of the teeth that may be making it worse. When you meet with us at Steelecroft Dental, we will be able to discuss whether you are looking at a simple or surgical extraction or even if a root canal may be a better option instead. We can also discuss your recovery and what you should expect afterwards. Contact us today!