There is more to tooth extraction than yanking a tooth out of its socket. Adult teeth have established root systems that need to be completely and carefully removed. If you have a tooth that needs to be extracted because of damage or disease, Dr. Alana Macalik will carefully and skillfully remove the entire tooth and all its parts, thoroughly cleaning the area so it is ready for a dental restoration.
Reasons for Tooth Extraction
Whatever has happened to your tooth, your dentist will make every effort to repair the tooth before turning to extraction. Sometimes, however, this is not an option.
When root canal therapy or antibiotics cannot repair an infected tooth, or a severely damaged tooth cannot be fixed, tooth extraction is usually the final step. If you are living with severe mouth pain or a toothache, extraction can provide immediate relief from your discomfort.
Some of the most common problems that may lead to tooth extraction include:
- Severe decay
- Infection or abscess
- Mouth or jaw trauma
- Gum disease
- Broken root
- Bone fracture
What to Expect During a Tooth Extraction
Tooth extraction is a routine dental procedure, but it is an involved process for your dentist. Even if a tooth is damaged or unhealthy, the root may still be firmly lodged in the socket. After you have received a numbing agent, the extraction begins with your dentist rocking the tooth in its socket to loosen and separate it from its ligament. It is possible that you will feel pressure or hear small cracking noises as the tooth is extracted.
After the tooth has been completely removed and before the site is close, infected tissues will be taken out, the socket will be washed, and your tooth will be meticulously inspected to ensure that there aren’t any bone or tooth fragments left behind. Your dentist will provide you with instructions about how to care for the area and promote healing.
Dental Restorations After Tooth Extraction
After a tooth has been extracted and enough time has passed for your mouth to heal, you will talk to your dentist about the available options for replacing your missing tooth. It’s important to accept a dental restoration so you can maintain the tooth alignment, face shape, and jaw strength. Neglecting to replace missing teeth will make you look older and interrupt the appearance of your smile.
Dr. Macalik will discuss all possible dental restorations for your oral health, which may include:
- Dental implants: Dental implants replace both the root and crown of a tooth and look natural. No one will ever know that you have a dental restoration. Most importantly, the implant supports your jawbone where your tooth root once was, keeping your jaw health intact.
- Dental bridge and crowns: A dental bridge fills the spot where one or two teeth once were. Clasps are attached to the teeth on either side of the empty space in your mouth and capped with porcelain crowns to keep the restoration in place.
- Dentures: If you have had multiple teeth extracted, full dentures, partial dentures, or implant-supported dentures can take their place and be either fixed or removable.
Get Help for Your Severe Tooth Pain or Damaged Tooth
You’re not alone if you feel anxious about a tooth extraction. Many extraction patients opt for sedation dentistry to help them relax during the procedure. This choice also helps your dentist to work more efficiently.
Remember, if you have an infected or damaged tooth, the problem will not get better on its own – it will only get worse, which puts you at risk for bigger oral health complications and more intense dental restorations.
If you are suffering with a severe tooth problem, contact Dr. Alana Macalik ‘s office in Arlington today to schedule your consultation. Find out if tooth extraction or another dental restoration is the right solution for you and get relief from your pain.
