Even in cases of severe trauma or decay, if at all possible, a dentist will make every effort to save as much of a patient’s natural tooth as possible. Unfortunately, in especially severe cases, a tooth can be broken, decayed, or infected beyond the point of repair. In these instances, in the interest of the patient’s short-term relief and long-term oral health, a damaged tooth must be extracted.
Today, we’re looking at the vital role of tooth extractions in ensuring a patient’s long-term oral health and the process through which an extraction is performed.
What Is Tooth Extraction?
A tooth extraction is the removal of an individual’s irreparably damaged tooth by a dentist or oral surgeon. Before the procedure, an anesthetic is applied, either via a topical numbing agent or intravenously, into the gums surrounding the tooth that’s to be removed. Once the area is sufficiently numb, the dentist drills a hole into the tooth and widens it until the entirety of the tooth’s root can be removed from its “socket” in the jawbone.
When Are Tooth Extractions Required?
The necessity for a tooth extraction can arise due to a wide variety of reasons. The most common of these reasons include:
- Impacted wisdom teeth (also known as “impacted third molars”)
- Advanced tooth decay
- Severe gum disease
- Advanced, untreated infection
- Breakage of the tooth as a result of direct impact or trauma
- To create space for orthodontic treatment or dentures
The Overall Health Benefits of Tooth Extractions
We’ve discussed how tooth extractions immediately alleviate physical discomfort and promote long-term dental health. What’s less frequently discussed is how a tooth extraction can benefit a person’s overall well-being.
First, removing a severely infected tooth prevents that infection from spreading to the surrounding areas, including the jawbone and other parts of the body. Additionally, extraction to relieve overcrowding can help with proper alignment and bite function. This helps to promote proper chewing and breaking down of food, which in turn improves digestion and nutrient absorption.
Finally, a tooth extraction can help prevent jaw disorders by easing the physical pressures of misalignment or crowding. This relief is felt most in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Addressing these issues alleviates stress on the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. It reduces the risk of TMJ disorders and associated symptoms like severe headaches and jaw pain when speaking or chewing.
The Dental Extraction Process
The dental extraction process involves a number of particular steps, specialized equipment, and techniques to ensure an effective procedure and a pain-free experience for the patient. Here is a start-to-finish breakdown of that process:
- Consultation and evaluation. First, a qualified dental professional assesses the tooth in question. This typically involves both manual assessment and x-rays. Based on these results, it is determined whether the tooth should be extracted.
- Anesthesia. Immediately before the procedure, to minimize the patient’s discomfort, the dentist administers a local anesthetic. If a case is especially complex or if a patient is extremely anxious, full sedation may be suggested. This is relatively rare.
- Tooth removal. Using a series of specialized tools, the dentist drills a hole and gently and slowly loosens the tooth in its socket until it can be removed. Sometimes, like in the case of impacted wisdom teeth, for ease and comfort, a dentist may take the tooth out in smaller segments.
- Stitches. Once the extraction is complete, the dentist closes the wound in the gum tissue with stitches. These stitches may require subsequent removal by the dentist or may simply dissolve and naturally disappear as the patient’s gums heal.
- Post-procedure care. After an extraction, a dentist will provide the patient with instructions for caring for the extraction site. These typically include dietary recommendations (avoiding spicy or especially hard or potentially jagged foods) and techniques for managing swelling and pain. At this time, the dentist will also schedule follow-up appointments to assess and monitor recovery.
Efficient, Effective, and Comfortable Tooth Extractions in Durham, NC
If you’re in the Durham area and looking for an experienced, knowledgeable, and friendly dental care team to provide all the vital dental care that you and your family need, from tooth extractions to dental cleanings and advice regarding oral hygiene, contact Dr. Kate Dolin and Dr. Adam Spriggs and The Smile Shop team to schedule a consultation!