Reasons For Pulling Teeth
Permanent teeth were intended to last your entire life, however, there are some reasons that tooth extraction might be required. One reason is a badly damaged tooth that is decaying or has suffered serious trauma and is too far gone for repairs. There are also other reasons:
A Crowded Mouth
Some people may have to have a tooth pulled for orthodontic reasons. This is so that the orthodontist can properly align the teeth which may not be done if there are too many teeth crowded into the mouth. Also, if a tooth is unable to break through the gums as there isn’t enough room in the mouth, a dentist may recommend removal. Should you need to get that tooth removed, visit Claremont Dental.
Decay Or Damage To The Pulp
The center area of a tooth houses the nerves and the blood vessels. Bacteria can sometimes enter the pulp and lead to a serious infection. Sometimes a root canal or root canal therapy can be done, however, if the tooth is too far gone, or if antibiotics or a root canal can’t help the tooth, it may be time to extract that tooth.
Risks Of Infection
If the immune system is compromised (due to chemotherapy or other medical conditions such as organ transplants), a tooth may be pulled to prevent infection.
Periodontal Gum Disease
If there’s periodontal disease present (such as infection in the bones or tissue surrounding and supporting the teeth) that makes the tooth loose, it might be that the tooth has to be pulled.
What to Expect If A Tooth Is Pulled
Oral surgeons are dentists with advanced training to perform oral surgery. Before an oral surgeon pulls a tooth, they give you an injection in the gum area near the tooth to help numb the area where the tooth is located that will be pulled. Sometimes they will also use a local anesthetic to help numb the area. This will help to stop the pain in your body and you’ll sleep through the process.
If the tooth has an impacted root then the dentist will have to cut the gum away and the bone tissues in and around the tooth will also be cut open. After this, using forceps, the dentist will grasp the tooth and rock it gently back and forth to loosen it from your jaw bone. This will also help to loosen the ligaments holding the tooth in place. Occasionally, the tooth will have to be removed in pieces.
After the tooth is removed, a blood clot typically forms in the socket where the tooth was removed. The dentist packs gauze into the area and you’ll have to bite down on it to stop the bleeding. Occasionally, the dentist places a stitch or two in the area (these typically dissolve on their own) to help close up the gum line over the edges of the extraction.
Sometimes, the clot will break free and expose the bone in the socket. This is very painful and it’s called a dry socket. If this does happen, you’ll have to put a special dressing over the socket for several days to help protect it until the new clot forms.
What You Should Tell The Dentist Beforehand
While having your tooth pulled is typically very safe, it can draw harmful and poisonous bacteria into your bloodstream. You are also at risk for a gum infection. If you’re at high risk for a severe infection, you might have to take some antibiotics prior to the extraction. Before your tooth is pulled be sure to give your dentist your complete medical history and any supplements that you might take.
