During a tooth extraction, the entire tooth is taken out of its socket. That's right; when it comes to choose how to spend a lunch break, it's the activity most people pick above all others.
We understand that the prospect of having teeth pulled isn't exactly appealing. Dentists may execute millions of extractions annually, but the good news is that the vast majority of these are performed without complications and are the best choice for long-term oral health.
In other words, if your dentist has casually brought up the term "extraction," there's no need to freak out. Instead, read the information below and rest assured that your dentist has most likely seen this scenario hundreds of times before.
It's true that extraction is at times the only viable choice
A dentist will try to preserve your original teeth rather than replace them if at all possible. Nonetheless, there are cases where extraction is the best course of action for dental health.
Extraction is recommended when a tooth is severely decayed or malformed, is impacted, or has sustained damage that prevents it from being restored. To make room for orthodontic treatment, dentures, or dental implants, your dentist may suggest tooth extraction in Raleigh NC.
Extractions might be straightforward or more intricate
Whether or not your extraction is quick and easy depends on the nature of your dental health problem.
In the case of a fully erupted tooth with a simple problem (such as a single crack near the top of the tooth), the dentist can usually remove the tooth with no discomfort by simply loosening it and pulling it out with forceps.
By contrast, if a tooth has not yet erupted or has been fractured along the gum line, a dentist or oral surgeon may have to remove some bone and/or stitch the gums back together.
Expect these before a tooth extraction
Raleigh dentists enquire about medical history. Your dentist will check for any health issues that could make tooth extractions riskier. Liver problems, heart abnormalities, and immune system impairment are examples. In rare circumstances, your dentist may recommend antibiotics before or after the treatment to reduce infection risk.
It's crucial that you take care of yourself after treatment
Following your dentist's instructions for aftercare will help you heal more quickly and lessen your chances of experiencing complications like dry sockets. Depending on how complex the extraction was, you may need a week or more off work to heal completely (after a more complicated procedure).
It's up to you if you want to replace the tooth that was pulled
Your dentist may give you a few different alternatives for replacing your missing tooth, depending on which tooth was extracted. Permanent dental implants and removable prostheses (such as dentures and bridges) are both common solutions. You should consult a dentist to figure out what's best for your situation.
While getting a tooth pulled isn't exactly high on anyone's list of desirable activities, the good news is that the process is usually quite simple and painless. If you're worried about how you'll feel during dental work, it's important to let your dentist know.
