Once your tooth is damaged and can’t be repaired by a filling, tooth extraction is the only solution. Dentists may recommend tooth extraction for many reasons. In this article, we are to provide you with comprehensive information about the leading causes of tooth removal. If you need a tooth extraction or are eager to know why your tooth needs to be pulled, read this article to the end.
Table of Contents
What is a tooth extraction?
A tooth extraction
refers to the complete removal of one or more teeth. This operation is
performed by dentists in a relatively quick outpatient procedure. Indeed, the
doctor’s priority is to help restore and repair your natural teeth. Yet,
sometimes a tooth extraction is unavoidable, and there is no other way but
remove the damaged tooth. Tooth extraction may be necessary for many reasons
like severe damage or decay.
Types of tooth extraction
There are two main types of tooth extraction simple dental extraction and surgical dental extraction.
Simple dental extraction
The removal of teeth that are visible in the mouth is called a simple tooth extraction. The procedure of dental extraction is carried out through local anesthesia. This operation is generally done without the need to access the tooth below the gum line.
Surgical dental removal
A surgical dental extraction is performed to remove teeth that are not easily accessible inside the mouth. During surgical or dental extraction doctor makes an incision into the connective tissue surrounding the tooth. This operation is typically carried out under general anesthesia.
Six reasons why tooth extraction is necessary?
Tooth extraction can be performed for many different reasons. The six most common reasons for tooth extraction include the following:
Tooth decay
Tooth decay is the most common reason for dental extraction. Patients may need to have their teeth pulled due to many reasons. It usually takes years for tooth decay to progress to the point of tooth loss. Cavities, also called tooth decay, are caused by a combination of factors, like bacteria and not cleaning your tooth well.
Infection
Dental infection originates in the tooth and can spread to the surrounding tissue. Years ago, dental infections were one of the common causes of death, but thanks to dental hygiene, modern dentistry, and antibiotics, they are not dangerous anymore.
Gum disease
If gum disease is left untreated, it may have unavoidable consequences, like gum tissue and ligament degeneration. Once the supporting structures deteriorate, the teeth become loose and eventually fall out. In such cases, the teeth may require extraction and tooth replacement treatment.
Overcrowded teeth
Some patients may need tooth extraction as a part of their orthodontic plan and for beauty purposes. When patients’ teeth are severely overcrowded, the dentist may recommend dental extraction to create more space for the remaining teeth to be pulled into alignment.
Impacted teeth
Impacted teeth refer to when the tooth remains stuck in the gum line. Several factors may cause tooth impaction, including overcrowding and twisted tooth. The jaw is often impacted because it is not large enough to accommodate wisdom teeth.
Tooth Breakage
Tooth breakage may have different causes, like chewing hard food, biting down on a fork or spoon, and participating in sports like boxing. Your doctor suggests pulling out the affected tooth when you have a broken tooth.
Wisdom tooth extraction
Wisdom teeth appear between the ages of 17 and 25, and some people never develop wisdom teeth. Wisdom tooth extraction is done to remove one or two wisdom teeth. When a wisdom tooth does not have room to grow, it may cause pain, infection or many other dental problems. Dental surgeons typically recommend tooth extraction to prevent future problems. The leading reasons for wisdom tooth removal include:
- Severe pain
- Trapping food behind the wisdom teeth
- Gum infection
- Tooth decay
- Damage to nearby tooth
- Complications with orthodontic treatment
Essential tips for tooth extraction aftercare
Tooth extraction aftercare varies depending on the extraction and your tooth location. On the whole, tooth recovery takes a few hours to ten days. Tooth removal aftercare plays a vital role in recovery, so try to follow the dentist’s advice on extraction aftercare. The most important precautions after tooth extraction go as follows:
- Apply a cold compress to the area
- Try to rest and avoid strenuous activities for at least two days
- Try to use a straw for 24 hours
- Avoid spitting
- Keep the extraction site clean
- Take all medications
- Eat only soft food and avoid eating hard and chewy food
- Drink lots of water
- Avoid smoking for 72 hours
- Take any medications as prescribed
What are the tooth extraction complications?
Like any other surgery, tooth extraction has complications that include:
- Bleeding
- Severe pain
- Swelling
- Fever
- Difficulty breathing
What happens during a tooth extraction procedure?
During dental extraction dentist makes an incision in the gum tissue and removes the bone that blocks access to the tooth root. After removing the tooth doctor cleans the site, stitches the wound and eventually places gauze over the extraction site to control bleeding.
How to prepare for tooth extraction?
Before dental removal, pay attention to the following instructions:
- Tell your doctor if you have diabetes, heart-related disease, liver disease, an impaired immune system, and thyroid disease.
- Do not smoke 24 hours before the surgery
- Tell your dentist if you have specific medical conditions
- Tell your doctor if you vomited the night before
- Have someone with you to take you home
Takeaway
Taking all these points into account, tooth extraction may be fundamental for many reasons. One of the most common reasons for tooth extraction may be bacteria elimination and oral health improvement. Understanding the leading reasons for tooth eradication may help you to prevent it. We tried to provide you with comprehensive details regarding the main reasons for tooth eradication. After the extraction takes place it is important to make sure you follow all the care instructions to have a speedy recovery and to avoid complications.
FAQ
Tooth extraction offers different benefits, like:
- Reduces harmful bacteria that may damage your teeth and gum
- Decays tooth
After tooth extraction, you should avoid crunchy food for the first few days and try to eat soft food instead.
Recovery after tooth removal depends on the complexity of your surgery. After tooth extraction, you can return to your routine activities within 48 to 72 hours.
Bleeding, swelling and pain are tooth extraction’s most common side effects. The dentist will provide you with instructions on how to get rid of these side effects.
The dentist may recommend tooth extraction if you have the following conditions:
- Severe tooth decay
- Fractured tooth
- Crowded teeth
- Gum disease
- Infection
- Dental injuries
It is better to avoid smoking for 48 hours after the tooth removal operation. Try to refrain from smoking as long as possible to recover faster.
The doctor helps prevent pain by injecting local anesthetic or applying tropical gent on the gum.