Ideally, you’ll want to keep your permanent set of teeth for as long as you live. But, that’s not always possible. There are cases wherein it may be necessary to have a tooth or two removed for the good of your oral health.
Why Can’t A Tooth Be Saved?
Accidents do happen and sometimes, we lose a tooth, or two, because of it. Even if the tooth doesn’t fall outright because of trauma, it can sometimes be too damaged to be repaired via filling or crown. In such cases, the only possible course of action is to extract the tooth to prevent further damage. A tooth with extensive decay will also have to be extracted as well.
Speaking of decay, teeth that have lost much of its supporting bone due to periodontal disease are also prime candidates for removal. The same goes for teeth that do not respond to root canal treatment.
It’s also not unusual for orthodontists to recommend having a few teeth removed before beginning treatment to achieve better results. For this same reason, wisdom teeth are also extracted because of their rather awkward position behind your molars.
How Are Teeth Extracted?
When it comes to teeth, there are two types of extractions: simple and surgical.
Simple tooth extractions are usually performed by general dentists. It’s often performed on teeth that can be seen in the mouth. As the name suggests, the process is very simple and will only require the use of a local anesthetic. The process typically involves loosening the tooth with an instrument called an elevator before removing the tooth forcibly using an instrument called a forceps.
Meanwhile, surgical extractions are much more complex and are often reserved for teeth that have broken off at the gum line or have yet to erupt. And, unlike simple extractions, these complicated procedures are performed by oral surgeons. However, they can also be done by general dentists, provided they have the necessary accreditation. Regardless, the process typically involves making a small cut into your gums so the tooth can be extracted. Sometimes, however, it may be necessary to remove some of the bone around the tooth first. In some cases, the tooth may have to be cut in half so it can be removed.
Although local anesthetics are sometimes enough, the dentist or surgeon may have to use intravenous anesthesia, or in worse cases, general anesthesia, for surgical extractions. In particular, general anesthesia is necessary for patients with specific medical or behavioral conditions, as well as young children.
Regardless of whether you’re going through a simple or surgical extraction, you can expect to feel pressure, but no pain. If you feel any kind of pain during the procedure, be sure to let the dentist or surgeon know immediately.
Extraction Is Not The End For Your Teeth
It’s only natural to feel reluctant about having teeth extracted. After all, an incomplete smile is never something anyone would love to wear. But even so, you can take comfort in the technology available today to have your missing tooth replaced.
If one of your teeth falls out as a result of trauma or will need to be extracted soon, be sure to take the time to sit down and discuss with your dentist about possible treatment options. You’ll want to fill in that gap in your smile as soon as you can to prevent any problems resulting from missing teeth.