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What is a Tooth Extraction, and when is it Necessary?

Tooth Extraction

What is a Tooth Extraction?

Tooth extraction is a surgical procedure in which a tooth is removed from the dental alveolus (bone) or socket. Your dentist should be qualified and experienced with oral surgery to undertake a tooth extraction. As part of their core competencies as dental professionals, general dentists perform many successful tooth extractions.

Reasons for Pulling Teeth

Although natural teeth are expected to last a lifespan, tooth extraction may be necessary under some circumstances. A typical reason is a tooth that has been significantly injured by trauma or disease and cannot be restored. Other possibilities are as follows:

A crowded set of teeth – Dentists may extract teeth to prepare the mouth for corrective surgery. The purpose of most restorative dentistry treatments is to realign the teeth appropriately, which may be impossible if your teeth are too large for your jaw. Similarly, if a tooth is not able to erupt through the gum due to a lack of space in the oral cavity, your dentist may consider extracting it.

Infection – Bacteria in the mouth can enter the pulp if decay or damage extends to the pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels. Most of the time, this can be corrected through root canal therapy (RCT), but when the infection is severe enough to not respond to antibiotics, an extraction may be required to stop the infection.

Risk of infection – It may be necessary to pull a tooth even if you have a compromised immune system (for instance, you have chemotherapy or an organ transplant).

Periodontal (gum) disease – Periodontal disease – is an infection of the tissues and bones surrounding and supporting the teeth – can cause loosening of the teeth, and if they become too loose, they may need to be pulled.

What to Expect with a Tooth Extraction?

If the tooth is compromised, your dentist in Chandler might remove the gingival and skeletal tissue that surrounds it, then grip the tooth with surgical tools and carefully move it back and forth to free it from the alveolar bone and ligaments that keep it in place.

What to do after having your Teeth Extracted?

Your dentist will give you specific advice about what to do and what else to plan once your teeth are removed. Managing post-surgery aftercare is critical to ensuring adequate recovery, so consult your dentist in Chandler before leaving the facility if you have any questions or problems.

As with any procedure, you may experience some minor discomfort. If your dentist has given medicine to alleviate soreness and irritation, you must take the proper amount and keep taking it as directed.

Contact a dentist in chandler for a painless, and safe tooth extraction. You could also contact us by email at contact@pomdental.com if you have questions concerning tooth extractions or other dental treatments in Chandler.

Written by Dr. Silverman

Dr. Silverman is the co-founder of Peace of Mind Dental, a Chandler Arizona, general dentistry practice.

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