Tooth Extractions

Sometimes adults need to have one of their permanent teeth removed. This is usually a last resort procedure that’s performed for the greater good of your overall dental health. Here are a few things to know about tooth extractions to prepare you for the possibility.

Reasons for Tooth Removal

There are a few different reasons you might need to have your tooth removed, including:

• Injury or damage
• Extreme tooth decay
• Overcrowding
• Preparation for another dental procedure
• Advanced stages of periodontal disease

While the thought of getting a tooth removed can be intimidating, it’s really nothing to worry about. Modern technology has made the process easier and more pain-free than ever before.

Types of Tooth Extraction

There are two types of tooth removal procedures: simple and surgical. Simple tooth extraction is what happens when the tooth that needs to be pulled has already protruded past the gum line. In this type of removal, your dentist can simply grasp the tooth with forceps and pull it out with no incisions required.

Surgical tooth extractions, on the other hand, are a little more complicated. A surgical tooth extraction happens when the tooth is mostly below the gum line, such as with wisdom teeth. For these situations, your dentist will need to make an incision in the gums in order to reach the tooth.

Aftercare

It’s normal for there to be a little swelling and tenderness after you have a tooth removed. Try to avoid drinking through straws, cleaning the area too roughly, or using that part of your mouth to chew until the blood clot has completely healed. Pain can usually be managed with over-the-counter painkillers, and you can use hot or cold compresses to take down the swelling.

If you’re curious about tooth extraction or would like to make an appointment to have a tooth removed, give Sunset Dental in Piqua, OH a call at 937-773-8090 today!