What is Tooth Extraction: Causes, Procedure & Recovery Tips

What is Tooth Extraction?

Tooth extraction is a procedure done by your dentist to remove your tooth completely from its socket. When possible, healthcare providers prefer to save natural teeth. However, other therapeutic methods, such as dental fillings or crowns, aren’t always enough. In addition, if your tooth has been severely damaged and cannot be repaired, it may need to be extracted.

Causes of Tooth Extraction

Your dentist will recommend having your teeth extracted if you have the following dental problems:

a) A Decayed Tooth

Tooth decay is the most common reason for tooth extraction worldwide. Patients who require tooth extraction due to decay may have avoided seeing the dentist for an exam and cleaning for a year.

b) An Erupted Tooth

Because the jaw is not large enough to accommodate these teeth, wisdom teeth are frequently impacted. Wisdom teeth removal and extraction can be performed on impacted teeth for our American Modern Dental patients.

c) Tooth Crowding

Tooth extraction may be necessary as part of a patient’s orthodontic treatment plan. The orthodontist may recommend removing permanent teeth if your teeth are severely overcrowded.

d) Severe Periodontal Disease

Gum tissue and jawbone that support your teeth degenerate in the advanced stages of gum disease. As a result, the teeth become loose as the supporting structures deteriorate. Gum disease will eventually cause teeth to fall out on their own, or the teeth may require extraction in addition to gum disease and tooth replacement treatment.

Tooth Extraction Procedure

Our dentist in Houston, TX will decide if you are a good candidate for a simple tooth extraction. First, they will ensure that the tooth extracted has straight roots and a solid structure above the gums, allowing it to be grasped and manipulated. The dentist will also review your medical history and ask you to refrain from using blood thinners for a few days before the extraction. Once your dentist has determined that a simple tooth extraction is necessary, they will:

1) Administer Anesthetic

Your dentist will inject an anesthetic into the immediate area around the tooth to ensure that the procedure goes as smoothly and comfortably as possible to reduce any discomfort caused by the injection, he may choose to apply a topical anesthetic gel before the injection.

2) Stretch the Periodontal Ligament Fibers

The periodontal ligament fibers that suspend the tooth from the bony socket must be released regardless of the tooth’s condition to be extracted for it to be successfully removed from the mouth.

3) Loosen and Raise the Tooth

A special dental tool known as an elevator makes the loose tooth even looser. The bony housing around the tooth is pliable, and the elevator enlarges the socket just enough to remove the tooth.

4) Remove the tooth from the mouth

The dentist will grasp the loosened tooth with forceps and remove it from the mouth.

5) Perform Ridge Preservation as Needed

Your dentist will likely advise you to replace the extracted tooth as soon as possible. If this is decided, your dentist may immediately follow a simple tooth extraction with ridge preservation via socket graft procedure. This involves inserting bone graft material into the newly emptied tooth socket to slow bone reabsorption.

6) Reduce Bleeding

Even though there are no major arteries in tooth sockets, simple tooth extraction can cause bleeding. To reduce bleeding, your dentist will apply pressure to the tooth socket.

Recovery Tips After a Tooth Extraction

Some of the tips that your dentist will recommend that you practice after the procedure include:

• Bite gently on the gauze pad placed on your mouth by the dentist to allow a clot to form in the tooth socket. Before the gauze pads become soaked in blood, change them.
• Take your pain relievers precisely as directed.
• Do not rinse your mouth during the same period. This may cause the clot in the socket to dislodge.
• For the first day or 24 hours, avoid drinking through a straw.
• Refrain from smoking. This can interfere with your healing.
• Eat soft foods the day following the extraction. Soup, yogurt, pudding, or applesauce are all options. Solid foods should be introduced gradually to allow your extraction site to heal.

Get Tooth Extraction Near You

Tooth extraction is important if you have a severely damaged, impacted, or overcrowded tooth. The procedure can be simple or surgical. Are you looking to get dental extraction near Clear Lake, Houston, TX? Call us or book an appointment with us at American Modern Dental to get tooth extraction in Houston, TX 77059!