Preservation of your teeth is always the priority in dentistry, but in some cases, extraction is the best solution.
Impaction, crowding, extensive decay, or trauma may make it necessary to extract a tooth in order to restore your smile.
Why would a dentist recommend extraction?
- Improved health – Extracting a severely decayed or broken tooth can benefit both the health and aesthetics of your smile while setting the stage for restorative treatment.
- Preparation for orthodontics – In cases of overcrowding, teeth may need to be extracted before orthodontic treatment. Preparatory extraction can help you achieve a more symmetrical and attractive smile.
- Relief – Extracting an impacted tooth can help you avoid severe pain and serious damage to surrounding teeth and bone tissue.
A 2016 study found that among a group of 52 patients,
50 patients surveyed in 2002 reported only mild post-operative pain.
*According to research published in Clinical Oral Investigations.
Trauma, a toothache, sudden sensitivity, and swelling of the gums are all reasons to contact a dentist immediately. An exam may reveal that a tooth is impacted or too damaged or decayed to be saved. The good news is that extraction makes it possible to undergo one of several procedures that can restore the health and appearance of your smile, including dental implant-supported crowns and bridges.
The dentist administers local anesthesia. Patients can also choose to receive sedation.
Forceps are used to gently loosen the tooth from its socket.
If the tooth is severely impacted, incisions may be made in the gum and bone tissue for easier removal.
Any necessary sutures are placed.
Gauze is applied to the extraction site.
Avoiding a necessary extraction can only exacerbate other oral health issues. Severely damaged or decayed teeth pose a significant risk of infection that can be detrimental to surrounding teeth, gum tissue, and bone. Impacted teeth can also cause significant damage to surrounding tissues. Meanwhile, orthodontia has limitations when the jaw cannot accommodate all the teeth. In short, extraction is sometimes the best way to restore the health and appearance of your smile. If you have suffered dental trauma or you are experiencing pain or swelling, schedule an appointment to meet with a dentist and learn more.
*Disclaimer: results are not guaranteed, may not be permanent, and can vary per individual. Some images are of models, not actual patients.
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