Dental Extraction

With few exceptions, we all are born with a number of buds that will eventually turn into teeth, hopefully serving us our whole life. However, there may be situations that require one or more teeth to be extracted. Although dental professionals will agree that keeping natural teeth is best for the patient, there are times where an extraction is unavoidable.

Damaged teeth are one of the most common occurrences resulting in tooth extraction. If there are cracked, broken or severely decayed teeth that cannot be repaired, extraction may be the only option. Although there could be an opportunity for dental procedures to salvage the tooth, such as a root canal and a crown, financial constraints can make the patient want to avoid this option.

Teeth that show the effects of advanced periodontal disease generally are best dealt with by extraction. Periodontal disease usually affects the supporting bone resulting in an extreme loosening of the tooth and causing long-term dental problems.

Crowding

Malpositioned teeth, such as wisdom teeth or impacted teeth, can cause significant dental issues for the patient. Teeth positioned in a way that creates constant irritation to the patient generally must be extracted. Due to the nature of the tooth and the lack of use it serves the patient, extraction will eliminate the risks generally associated with the malpositioned tooth. Extracting the tooth (or teeth) will serve the patient much better in the long run to maintain good oral health.

Extractions and Orthodontics

For those facing orthodontic treatment, extractions may be the only solution for aligning the teeth. Some patients have too many teeth in the confines of their jaw, which requires the removal of some teeth to allow for the space needed to complete the orthodontic goal of perfect alignment.

When extraction is the only option, the care given to the site is vital to minimize the opportunity for infection. Dental extraction is considered oral surgery and should be taken with the seriousness of any surgery. A variety of methods for pain control are available, including over-the-counter pain medication and prescription medications. Sometimes jaw pain is associated with the extraction, which will begin to subside after a few days.

Practice Good Oral Hygiene After Extraction

With all the discussion of extractions, there are instances where an extraction could actually prove to be harmful to the patient and the overall dental health. The teeth surrounding the extraction site will almost always “float” significantly into the empty space, having a major impact on dental health.

Often, the extraction of just one tooth can affect the ability to chew properly and possibly alter jaw function. With the increased possibility of food entrapment due to difficulty in proper cleaning, the risk for tooth decay and gum disease increases significantly. Sometimes a dentist will recommend replacing the extracted tooth with an artificial one. Options also exist for rebuilding the tooth, so it’s best to consult the dentist for a professional opinion of your unique situation.