When Is a Tooth Extraction Necessary Modesto, CA
Although it is best to preserve a natural tooth, there are times when a tooth extraction is necessary. An extraction may be the best option to maintain oral health due to trauma, disease, or crowding. Tooth extraction involves the complete removal of one or more teeth from the jaw bone.
Tooth extraction is available at Great Smiles Dental in Modesto and the surrounding area. Our team can extract teeth gently and safely to preserve your oral health. Call us at (209) 222-3636 to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment.
Tooth Extraction Is Normal
Adult teeth are meant to be permanent and last a lifetime. Unfortunately, however, even the most careful patients are not immune to accidents or dental issues. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), tooth extractions are usually necessary due to tooth crowding, dental disease, or orofacial trauma.
In most cases, the procedure itself is relatively simple and can be performed in a single dental appointment while the patient is under general anesthesia. Teeth that are visible above the gum line will require us to numb the extraction site before removing the tooth with forceps, while broken or impacted teeth will necessitate a more complex procedure.
“In most cases, [tooth extraction] itself is relatively simple and can be performed in a single dental appointment while the patient is under general anesthesia.”
Preventing Infection
According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, gum disease is the most common cause of tooth loss in adults. Gum disease occurs when bacteria get below the gum line and causes infections. Without treatment, oral bacterial leads to gum recession, damage to the jawbone, loose teeth, and even tooth loss.
Research has also shown chronic dental infections can cause inflammation that contributes to cardiovascular disease, stroke, and many other related diseases. While a root canal can often save a tooth from decay, sometimes a tooth is beyond saving due to lost structure and stability. Tooth extraction can prevent damaging decay and infection from spreading.
“Tooth extraction can prevent damaging decay and infection from spreading.”
Overcrowded or Impacted Teeth
In some cases, it is beneficial to have crowded or impacted teeth extracted. Impacted wisdom teeth do not have enough room to grow. Extraction can prevent pain, infection, and other dental problems. While not all wisdom teeth need removal, it is necessary once they start causing problems. In some cases, wisdom teeth do not fully break through the gums and can cause crowding issues. A partially erupted wisdom tooth is especially susceptible to cavities.
Patients may also need teeth extracted before receiving braces. Orthodontics involves the process of properly aligning the teeth, which may be tough without enough room. Crowded teeth increase a patient's risk of developing gum disease and cavities. Extracting teeth can relieve crowding and impacted teeth.
“Extraction can prevent pain, infection, and other dental problems.”
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When Tooth Restorations Are Not Enough
Thanks to modern-day advances in dental technology, there are several tooth restoration treatments available that a patient may be able to try before having to turn to tooth extraction. In most cases, time is of the essence, and patients who can come in to see Great Smiles Dental soon enough have higher chances of saving their teeth. However, teeth that are severely decayed are usually beyond repair, and gums that are severely infected are generally unable to support the teeth.
Adult teeth are meant to be permanent and can withstand tremendous wear and tear. Still, this does not make them strong enough to endure countless repairs. Each treatment and retreatment wears away at the natural tooth until there is little left to save. At a certain point, the patient will only experience more dental health problems by maintaining their natural tooth, and a tooth extraction becomes the most viable option.
“…teeth that are severely decayed are usually beyond repair, and gums that are severely infected are generally unable to support the teeth.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. Why is stopping infection from spreading important?
Q. Why do I need my wisdom teeth or other teeth removed?
Q. What sorts of trauma can necessitate tooth extraction?
Q. Is tooth extraction normal?
Q. When are tooth restorations not enough to save a tooth?
People Also Ask
Q. How will my doctor help me prepare for my tooth extraction?
Q. When should one seek emergency dental care?
Q. What methods are available to repair a chipped tooth?
Q. What are partial removable dentures for one missing tooth?
Trauma and Tooth Extraction
Teeth are tough but not indestructible. Traumatic dental injuries can occur from a sports injury, car accident, or even a simple slip and fall. While many injuries are minor, if the tooth becomes severely damaged to the point where restoration is not possible, an extraction will be necessary.
After sustaining tooth trauma, patients should schedule an appointment quickly to improve their outcomes. Our team can look for signs of additional damage that may not be immediately obvious. Severely fractured teeth can be very loose and unable to be restored with dental work, thus making tooth extraction necessary. Patients should take any dental trauma seriously, even if it seems mild.
“While many injuries are minor, if the tooth becomes severely damaged to the point where restoration is not possible, an extraction will be necessary.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Do tooth extractions hurt?
A. In most cases, the patient will receive general or local anesthesia to keep them comfortable during the procedure. Some teeth that require extraction have even lost some of their nerve signals. We will do everything in our power to keep your safety and comfort at the forefront of everything we do.
Q. What should I tell my dentist before my tooth extraction?
A. Tooth extraction is generally a safe procedure, but there is a small risk of harmful bacteria entering the bloodstream. It also puts gum tissue at a small risk of infection. As such, patients with any conditions that put them at high risk for developing a severe infection may need to take antibiotics before and after the extraction. Make sure to let Great Smiles Dental know your complete medical history and any medications and supplements you are currently taking. It is also essential to let us know if you have congenital heart defects, artificial joints, damaged or man-made heart valves, impaired immune system, liver disease, or a history of bacterial endocarditis.
Q. When should I call the dentist after my tooth extraction?
A. Some swelling and residual bleeding 24 hours after a tooth extraction are normal and to be expected. However, you should call us immediately if you are experiencing severe pain and bleeding for more than four hours after the tooth extraction. You should also let us know if you are experiencing any signs of infection (such as fever and chills), nausea and vomiting, cough, shortness of breath, redness, swelling, chest pain, or excessive discharge from the treated area.
Q. What is it like to recover from a tooth extraction?
A. It usually takes a few days to recover from a tooth extraction. Some minor pain and discomfort are not unusual, and they can generally be controlled with over-the-counter medications. Eating soft foods, refraining from tobacco use, and applying an ice pack can also help.
Q. What happens after a tooth extraction?
A. We may prescribe you painkillers to prevent infection. Take these as directed. Do not rinse or spit forcefully for 24 hours after the extraction, lest you dislodge the clot forming in the socket. Remember to follow any other direction we provide you.
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Dental Terminology
Call Us Today
When necessary, tooth extraction can relieve pain and give you have a more functional smile. Our team at Great Smiles Dental can help determine whether you are a good candidate for this procedure. Call us at 209-222-3636 to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2024
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2024
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2024
About our business, license, and website security
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