It’s a general rule for dentists to do whatever is in their power to preserve as many natural teeth as possible. However, there are some situations that warrant the pulling of a tooth. Continue reading to find out what they are and learn about the benefits of tooth extraction.
The Benefits of Having a Tooth Pulled
The first order of business is to be clear that the terms ‘pull’ and ‘extract’ are the same. They both describe the process of a dentist intentionally removing a tooth. Here are some of the situations that would warrant an extraction:
- To stop infection – If you have a severe tooth infection, it won’t go away on its own. In fact, it will eventually travel to other parts of your body if not addressed. Having an infected tooth pulled is a way to prevent this from happening.
- To relieve pain – An impacted or badly decayed tooth can cause intense pain. By having the tooth removed, you can experience a normal and pain-free life.
- To correct overcrowding – Often, a partially or fully erupted wisdom tooth (also referred to as the third molar) can cause overcrowding. It can make the other teeth shift and potentially leave them exposed to bacteria growth at the root level. Removing the problematic tooth can provide the relief you need.
How the Extraction Process Works
A typical extraction starts with local anesthesia being administered. Then, the tooth is freed from the periodontal ligament with a tool called an elevator.
An impacted tooth can be slightly more complex to remove. It requires the dentist to first make a small incision into the gum tissue. After the tooth is removed, the socket is stitched and a protective gauze placed over the treatment site to expedite the formation of a blood clot.
How to Encourage Faster Healing
You can expect some slight discomfort after the surgery is completed. However, it’s quite manageable. You can take ibuprofen to quiet any discomfort. It’s also important to avoid tobacco usage, as it releases a host of toxins in your mouth.
To further contribute to your recovery, eat soft and cool foods like apple sauce and yogurt. Additionally, you’ll want to avoid chewing on the side of your face where the extraction occurred.
By taking swift action to have a tooth extracted when it’s recommended and mindfully caring for it afterwards, you can soon enjoy painless functionality and possibly move forward with having the tooth safely and effectively replaced. Your dentist will gladly let you know what your options are so you can enjoy a fully restored, attractive and healthy smile!
About the Author
Dr. Ramandeep Badhan earned his dental degree from the New York University School of Dentistry, where he also completed an honors endodontics course. Throughout his career, he has remained an avid learner, taking several hours of continuing education to further sharpen his skills. Dr. Badhan extracts teeth to restore optimal oral health at Cambria Smiles, and he can be reached for more information or to schedule a visit through his website.