No one wants to lose their permanent teeth. Unfortunately, decay, trauma to the tooth, and other lifestyle factors can cause severe damage. Damaged teeth, if left untreated can result in chronic pain and other dental and health issues.
When teeth are severely damaged, there are many restoration techniques that R+R Dental in Hicksville, NY will consider. While root canals are a possibility, sometimes an extraction is the best long-term option.
Do I Need My Tooth Extracted?
Tooth extractions are rarely the “go to” option when performing a dental procedure or restoring a damaged tooth. Dr. Nadia Rivera and Dr. Michael Richer do everything they can to save a tooth before extracting it and weigh out all possible options.
If your tooth is broken or damaged by decay, a filling, crown or another treatment may be viable options. Removing the tooth is often the best choice if there’s too much damage or not enough tooth to repair. The best way to know if you need your tooth extracted is to schedule an appointment at R+R Dental, have an examination, and discuss all your options.
Other Reasons for Extracting Teeth
Although decay and damage are some of the most common reasons for extractions, there are other reasons as to why removing a tooth is the best option. Some patients have extra teeth that block and prevent others from coming in. Similarly, some baby teeth don’t fall out before permanent teeth begin to come in.
Patients with an infected tooth or with gum disease often benefit from tooth removal, particularly if the infection and damage are too difficult to treat.
Some Benefits of Extracting Teeth
When a tooth is damaged, it often causes immense pain. One significant advantage to removing a tooth is to eliminate pain so the patient can return to and enjoy daily activities. Infected teeth, if not removed, can spread the infection to organs, bacteria can enter the bloodstream, and can increase the risk of serious diseases like heart disease or diabetes.
How Are Teeth Extracted?
The type of extraction you have depends on your tooth. If your tooth is visible, this is considered a simple extraction. Your dentist will loosen the tooth with an instrument called an elevator and then he or she uses forceps to remove the tooth.
If you have a tooth that is not visible (not come in yet) or has broken off at the gum line, a surgical extraction is required. During this type of procedure, the dentist makes a small incision into the gum line to have better access to the tooth.
Will I Feel Pain During My Procedure?
One of the primary goals of removing a damaged tooth is to eliminate pain from your daily life. Every patient tolerates pain differently, but at R+R Dental, we strive to make you as comfortable as possible during the procedure. The only feeling you might feel is slight pressure, but no pain.
During your procedure, you will receive a local anesthetic. If you have never had this type of anesthetic, it’s injected into the gum line, and you will feel a small pinch. The area becomes numb quickly, and your dentist will not proceed until the area is completely numb. If you require a surgical extraction, you may receive general anesthesia.
Many patients avoid having a tooth removed due to fear and anxiety. We offer conscious sedation with nitrous oxide to help make the procedure stress-free.
What Is the Healing Process Like After an Extraction?
After your procedure, the staff at R+R Dental will give you step-by-step directions for your aftercare. Depending on the procedure, you may experience pain or discomfort for a short period. Self-care and patience are important during this time to ensure a successful healing process.
Relaxing for the first 24 hours is important, as is staying ahead of the pain. Taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) like Advil or Motrin can greatly decrease the pain. Follow the dosing instructions you receive and if you cannot tolerate NSAIDS, ask for an alternative.
Continue to practice your daily oral hygiene routine but avoid the extraction site. Eat soft foods during the first few days following the procedure and don’t use a straw, smoke, or spit (especially in the first 24 to 48 hours). These activities can put pressure on the blood clot at the site where your tooth was removed. If this becomes dislodged, you may have a dry socket.
Dry sockets can cause immense pain and require a visit to the dentist as soon as possible. If you have any questions after your procedure, if you worry that something doesn’t feel right, or you’re experiencing a fever or other health problems, please call R+R Dental right away.
