What is a dental extraction?
Basically, dental extraction is the removal of one’s tooth from its bone socket.
Why is it needed?
There are a variety of reasons why tooth extraction may be required. Some of these reasons include:
- Infection. If damage or tooth decay reaches the tooth’s pulp (the center of the tooth that contains blood vessels and nerves) mouth bacteria may enter the pulp which leads to infection. Oftentimes, infection may be treated using Root Canal Treatment; however, if the infection is so severe, extraction may be required to prevent the further spread of infection.
- Gum Disease. If gum disease (also known as periodontal disease), an infection of the bones and tissues surrounding and supporting the tooth, have caused teeth to become loose, extraction may become necessary.
- A crowded mouth. Most of the time, dentists extract teeth to prepare the mouth for orthodontics. The primary aim of orthodontics is to properly align teeth. Extraction may also be recommended if a tooth cannot break through the gum because there is no room in your mouth for it.
What happens during tooth extraction?
Tooth extraction is a fairly straightforward procedure. First, our dentist at Carrollton Family Dental will administer a local anesthetic to numb the area where the tooth will be extracted. If your tooth is impacted or if you need more than one tooth extracted, strong general anesthetic may be used. This anesthetic will prevent you from feeling pain and may make you sleep throughout the procedure. After administering the anesthetic, our dentist will carefully pull the tooth from its socket (if your tooth is impacted, the dentist will cut away any bone tissue or gum covering the teeth). For a hard-to-pull tooth, the dentist may have to extract it in pieces.
Before and After the Procedure
Before having your tooth extracted, make sure to inform your dentist about your full medical history and any medications or supplements that you are taking. After the procedure, make sure to take painkillers as prescribed and relax for at least 24 hours after the procedure. Recovery usually takes a few days.
Questions?
For inquiries about our Dental Clinic Services in Carrollton, Texas, please don’t hesitate to call us at 972-212-6225. You may also call us to set an appointment.