Losing a tooth can lead to cosmetic and oral health issues. But sometimes, it is necessary to pull out a tooth. This is usually the case when there is a persistent infection or a wisdom tooth that does have space to grow. Also, tooth extraction may be necessary to make room for your teeth to become aligned. Thankfully, a dentist in Maryville, TN, can make the process safe. They will ensure you experience just minimal pain and fast recovery.
When is Tooth Removal Necessary
There are a lot of reasons your dentist might schedule a tooth extraction. These include the following:
- Infection. The pulp of your tooth is found in its center. If this becomes infected, your treatment might start with antibiotics or root canal therapy to save your tooth. While these steps may be able to repair damage to the tooth and repair disease, tooth extraction may be a must if this is not possible. Your dentist will do their best to save your tooth and only resort to extraction when everything else fails.
- Wisdom teeth. Your wisdom teeth can cause jaw and mouth pain. Removing these teeth can happen due to the discomfort and pain caused by their growth.
- Tooth alignment. A tooth may need to be extracted if you want to improve the alignment of your crowded teeth. Before you can get a dental brace or clear aligner, some of your teeth may need to be removed to achieve the desired alignment. Misaligned teeth can cause issues such as gum disease. When teeth are properly aligned, bacterial pockets cannot spread infection.
What Happens During Tooth Removal
Dentists know that a lot of people experience anxiety before a tooth extraction procedure. But this is a quick procedure that does not cause too much discomfort. Your dentist will administer local anesthesia to numb the extraction area. Also, they can provide sedation dentistry for optimal comfort.
During the procedure, the dentist might need to get rid of some gum tissue, so they can get the affected tooth. They will grasp the tooth using forceps and gently rock it until the ligaments and bone release the root. Once the tooth is removed, the dentist will apply gauze to stop the bleeding from the open tooth socket. If stitches are used, they naturally dissolve during the healing process.
The majority of patients can quickly recover from a tooth extraction procedure within a few days. Dentists offer detailed instructions for caring for your oral health following the procedure.
