Looking at photos of when you were missing teeth in elementary school may bring back pleasant memories. However, being without teeth as an adult doesn’t bring up any satisfying thoughts at all. It is downright terrifying to lose teeth as an adult because you know there isn’t an additional set to replace them. Not only this, but the cost to replace missing teeth is quite pricey. This is why it is best to take good care of your pearly whites.
However, sometimes no matter how well you take care of your teeth, there comes a time when tooth extraction is a must.
Common Reasons You Need a Tooth Extraction Done
No one wants to have their teeth removed. Some people dread the thought of going to the dentist and having the dentist poke their gums with needles and pull out the bad tooth. It’s as if they would prefer to keep the crummy tooth than deal with the agony of having it removed. But as the saying goes, “no pain, no gain.” Besides, a few days in recovery for a troubled tooth is far better than months or even years of pain from a neglected tooth. Here are a few reasons why you may need a tooth removed.
Pain
If you do experience pain in your mouth around an area of your tooth that worsens when you eat, this could mean you need a tooth extraction.
Infection
An infection in the gums or the pulp (center of the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels) can be so severe that you may have to have a tooth pulled.
Tooth Decay
If there is decay on a tooth that may threaten other teeth around it, you may need an extraction.
Orthodontal Work
Sometimes too many teeth in your mouth may require a dentist to remove them, particularly if you need orthodontal treatment.
Wisdom Teeth Removal – The Most Common Type of Tooth Extraction
Another common reason people get their teeth removed is that there are complications with their wisdom teeth. Besides pain, wisdom teeth can cause cysts, decay, gum disease, bad breath, or infection. Sometimes there is not an indicator to let you know that you need a wisdom tooth extraction. It’s best to go to the dentist regularly so that they can determine if you need a wisdom teeth removal.
What to Expect During the Procedure
Whether you have wisdom teeth removed or need tooth removal for other reasons, your dentist will start with x-rays. The dentist will then numb the area where the tooth is and begin the extraction process. You will feel some pressure, but you shouldn’t feel any pain. If you do, then the dentist will administer more of the anesthetic.
The Recovery Time for Tooth Removal
There will be an excessive amount of blood coming from the area upon completing the tooth extraction. The dentist will provide you with gauze pads to help soak up the blood as it heals. You may experience pain after the extraction. Therefore, a dentist will prescribe painkillers. You may also need to use an ice pack to help with swelling. After the extraction, you should avoid eating hard foods or drinking through a straw for 24 hours. The recovery time for tooth extraction is generally two to three days, but it could take seven to ten days to heal fully.
Possible Problems After Tooth Extraction
Generally, you will get back to regular activities within 24 hours of the extraction. There will still be some pain, but the pain killers will help ease it. If the pain persists and becomes excruciating, you may have a more severe issue on your hand. You may be experiencing dry socket symptoms. This happens when a blood clot fails to form or gets removed. A dentist will clean the socket and redress the wound with gauze.
You will have to wait for another clot to form so that the healing can begin. Other problems that may arise are nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, chest pain, and bleeding lasting longer than 12 hours. If you experience problems like these after the extraction, contact your dentist.
Dealing with tooth problems can be agonizing. Likewise, treating them can be just as painful. But it is better to resolve tooth issues than to do nothing about them. Getting your trouble tooth extracted now can prevent discomfort and costly procedures later.
Visiting the dentist 2 times a year is highly recommended and beneficial. This way you can stay o top of dental problems and address them promptly. If you are experiencing tooth or mouth pain in between your visits call your dentist and they will be ready to see you.
Having a dentist you can trust is important, and Sedki Dentistry in Commerce Twp is a top choice for family and cosmetic dentistry. Our Commerce Dental Clinic can address all dental health needs including dental treatments for tooth restoration, cosmetic dentistry such as dental veneers and invisible braces, children’s dentistry, gum rejuvenation and much more. Stay on top of your smile and call for your Free Dental Consultation today!