Decaying teeth are something people wouldn’t want to wish on their worst enemy. Rotting teeth are accompanied by dull aches and a constant throbbing in your jawbone that can become debilitating over time.
Teeth start to decay when the bacteria in your teeth produce acid and destroy the enamel. This can lead to cavities, and eventually, the decay can reach the root of your tooth.
Regular dental checkups and cleanings can prevent tooth decay, but sometimes a decayed tooth must be removed to stop it from spreading to nearby teeth.
Thanks to modern technology, tooth extraction is no longer as painful as it used to be. At RiverRock Dental, our trained dentists and experts can give you the best recommendations for extraction.
Tooth extraction refers to the procedure of removing a tooth, usually due to decay and deep cavities. Tooth decay is an oral cavity problem that can happen at any age and most often occurs due to poor oral hygiene or bad eating habits.
The extraction procedure involves taking a dental X-ray to determine the extent of the decay. Once the dentist has ascertained the same, they will numb the affected area with local anesthesia and proceed to remove the tooth.
In case of deep rotting, the dentist might make an incision in your gums to ensure that all the decay is cleaned and removed to prevent it from spreading further.
Tooth extraction isn’t only necessary for decayed teeth that can no longer function properly; there are other reasons why you might need it too.
If the gum or bone tissue around your teeth degenerates to an extreme, it may be necessary to extract your tooth to keep the surrounding gums healthy.
Severe tooth decay requires tooth removal and is among the more common reasons for tooth extraction. When the bacterial infection reaches the tooth’s pulp, the infection can cause terrible pain, and extraction becomes necessary to prevent the decay from spreading in the remaining teeth surrounding the affected tooth.
Tooth impaction happens when gums do not erupt properly to allow the tooth to grow. In such an event, the tooth grows sideways, pushing other teeth inside the gums and causing much pain.
Tooth impaction is most common for wisdom teeth, as they do not have enough space to grow straight and upward. This is why dentists recommend the extraction of impacted teeth to avoid problems like overcrowding or tooth decay.
When a patient undergoes orthodontic treatment, it sometimes becomes necessary to extract a tooth or two to ensure that the remaining teeth are not overcrowded.
The dentist checks your teeth to find out which ones need to be removed to avoid your teeth from becoming crooked and misaligned.
Yes, tooth extraction can be painful to a certain extent. Your dentist will only perform the extraction after administering some numbing agent.
Local anesthesia is the most common numbing agent used for tooth extraction. The use of anesthesia helps numb the entire area and prevents the feeling of pain. However, you may feel a certain amount of pressure during the extraction procedure.
Depending upon the intricacy of your procedure, your dentist could also opt for general anesthesia or sedation anesthesia. You will most likely receive a prescription post-procedure for painkillers. This will help in fighting the pain and avoid any discomfort.
If your tooth extraction procedure is more extensive in nature, your dentist might prescribe more high-strength painkillers to prevent the pain.
Tooth extraction can be painful during the procedure and after it as well. It is essential to take proper care of the wound post the procedure to avoid chances of infection that can prevent the wound from healing properly. You can follow some simple aftercare tips to ensure your wound heals quickly.
