Tooth extractions may sound intimidating, but they are sometimes necessary to protect your oral health. No one likes the idea of getting their tooth removed, but at times, it’s the best course of action to prevent further issues and maintain a healthy smile.
Whether it’s severe decay, infection, overcrowding, or wisdom teeth complications, removing a tooth can relieve pain and prevent further issues. Here’s everything you need to know about this procedure.
When is a Tooth Extraction Necessary?
At Advanced Dental Center, our dentists try their best to save your teeth; however, long-term neglect of oral hygiene, combined with other medical issues, may cause permanent damage to your teeth. In such cases, a tooth extraction may become necessary.
Tooth Decay
If a tooth is beyond the point of saving due to decay, removing the affected tooth may be the best possible way to prevent further pain and infection.
Gum Disease
Gum disease can weaken the entire support structure of your teeth over time. If a tooth becomes loose due to bone loss or infection, an extraction may become absolutely necessary for you.
Impacted Wisdom Tooth
Some wisdom teeth don’t fully emerge, which leads to overcrowding. In that case, some teeth need to be removed to make space for others. In addition, wisdom teeth can also grow at the wrong angle and cause pain, infection, and alignment issues. Hence, removing them can prevent future dental problems.
The Dreaded Procedure—Is it Actually That Scary?
Contrary to popular opinion, the procedure itself is fairly straightforward; here’s a quick rundown of all the steps involved:
Numbing: The area is first numbed by giving local anesthesia to ensure that you don’t feel any pain during the extraction.
The Removal: With precision and speed, our dentists remove the tooth.
Sealing: In the end, the area is sealed with stitches if needed.
Some Recovery Tips By Our Dentists
Healing takes time, but following your dentist’s instructions will ensure a smooth recovery:
- Rest for the first 24 hours, and avoid strenuous activities.
- Bite firmly on the gauze to prevent extra bleeding!
- Avoid crunchy and hard foods.
- Only eat soft foods like mashed potatoes, yogurt, and soup.
- Apply an ice pack to reduce inflammation.
- Avoid using straws as they can cause bleeding.
- Take care of your oral health to prevent future infections!
Our expert dentists at Advanced Dental Center in Germantown, MD, understand that tooth extractions can seem frightening. However, knowing when they’re necessary and what the procedure exactly entails helps you feel more confident about them.
Contact us today to learn more and book your appointment!
