There are many reasons why your dentist may recommend extracting a tooth. In most cases, when the decay or infection is deep and has impacted the pulp inside the tooth, an extraction may become necessary. Other reasons include extreme sensitivity, advanced periodontal disease, and failed root canal procedures. A simple extraction doesn’t have to be complicated, and you can go back home on the same day. If you are looking for dental care in Salina, KS, choose a clinic with reliable and honest dentists. Here are some key aspects to know about tooth extraction.
Reasons for tooth extraction
As we mentioned, there are several reasons to consider a tooth extraction. For instance, if you have advanced periodontal disease and your tooth roots are loose, your dentist will suggest removing the affected tooth. If you have an extra tooth or a wisdom tooth that is impacted, you must consider an extraction. An extraction may be necessary for other reasons like a malformed tooth, an impacted tooth, extreme tooth decay, and preparing a tooth for orthodontic treatment.
The procedure
The first step in a tooth extraction is to take x-rays of the tooth to understand how to approach the case. During the appointment, your dentist will use a local anesthetic agent to prevent pain during the procedure. Using a tool known as the elevator, the dentist will then lift the impacted tooth. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to ensure that the tooth is removed in parts. With a pair of forceps, your dentist will remove the tooth. The dentist will also place gauze in the socket and ask you to drink or eat something warm. There are a few dos and don’ts you must follow after an extraction, such as no use of an electric toothbrush or a straw.
What are the alternatives to a tooth extraction?
It depends on the problem you are dealing with. Sometimes, people have one tooth that’s impacted and don’t want it at all. In other cases, root canal therapy may save and protect the natural tooth. It depends on the facts of the case, and your dentist can help you understand the other ways to fix the problem.
There is no denying that others will dissuade you from going for an extraction because it is often believed that the procedure is painful. That is a myth, and with a local anesthetic agent, you are unlikely to experience any kind of discomfort.
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