One of the primary goals of dental medicine is to preserve patients’ natural teeth, so it can be quite surprising when your dentist says you need a tooth extraction. While it’s only natural to be a little hesitant about having a tooth removed, the truth is that this straightforward procedure can be the best option for your oral health. Here’s a brief guide to the health benefits of a necessary tooth extraction and why it is nothing to be afraid of.
Why Are Tooth Extractions Necessary?
Removing a troubled tooth is sometimes necessary to protect the health of the rest of your smile. Advanced dental decay can spread to other areas of the mouth, and it may even lead to dangerous secondary infections like pneumonia or sepsis if it goes untreated. In cases like these, extracting the compromised tooth can prevent destructive germs from spreading and ruining more teeth.
Tooth extraction can provide a variety of benefits such as:
- Ending chronic pain.
- Making necessary orthodontic work possible.
- Preventing misalignments caused by crowding.
Does Tooth Extraction Hurt?
The tooth extraction procedure always begins with the oral surgeon administering an appropriate anesthetic to ensure that the patient feels no pain, and they may also receive a sedation treatment if they need extra help staying still and calm. Then, the surgeon will use a device called an elevator to lift the tooth from the socket before gently working it loose with forceps. If the tooth is still underneath the surface of the gums, the process will also involve making small incisions in the gum tissue so the tooth can be accessed.
The oral surgeon will also provide the patient with aftercare instructions to help ensure a smooth and complication-free recovery process. These will probably include refraining from spitting or drinking through a straw, changing gauze regularly, sticking to a diet of soft, mild foods, and rinsing with a solution of salt and warm water until the surgical site has healed adequately. Understanding these instructions can help you remain confident that extraction is the best way to restore your oral health and comfort.
Having a dentist you can trust can often be the best way to make the extraction process easier, and neglecting to have an unviable tooth removed can lead to worsening pain and infections. Knowing that your health will ultimately be improved by the procedure can help you feel much more comfortable throughout the process.
About the Practice
Richardson Oral Surgery Center offers the finest oral healthcare in town. Led by Drs. Michael Ahn and Ryan Cooper, the staff ensures that each patient enjoys a comfortable experience in a clean and friendly office. Areas of expertise include dental implants, sedation treatments, and tooth extractions. To learn more about the benefits of tooth extraction, contact the office online or dial (469) 991-7866.