Why would my tooth need to be removed?
Permanent teeth are built to last a lifetime, but for many reasons, some teeth might not. For instance, you might need to have a tooth extracted because it's too seriously broken to keep. Trauma, decay, and lifestyle can all lead to needing a tooth pulled.
- Your dentist may recommend an extraction if you're dealing with one of the following situations:
- Risk of infection from an unsuccessful root canal
- Risk of infection during chemotherapy or an organ transplant
- Severe gum (periodontal) disease
- Extra or crowded teeth
- No room for wisdom teeth (third molars)
If you think you need an extraction, visit Varinos Dental Associates of Newburyport today.
How are extractions performed?
There are two types of extractions: a simple extraction and a surgical extraction.
Simple extractions are performed on teeth that can be seen in your mouth. During this procedure, a highly accomplished dentist at Varinos Dental Associates of Newburyport will first loosen the tooth with an instrument called an elevator. They will then use forceps to remove the tooth.
A surgical extraction is more involved. The tooth may be broken off close to the gum line or hasn't yet grown through the gum line, which is typical of wisdom teeth.
During a surgical extraction, the dentist makes a little cut into the gum to locate and take out the tooth in question. The tooth may need to be cut into pieces to be extracted. It may also be necessary to remove some of the bone around the affected tooth.
Your dentist gives you a local anesthetic before both a surgical extraction and simple extraction, so you don’t feel any pain. If multiple teeth are extracted at the same time, as is typical with wisdom teeth extraction, your dentist may give you a general anesthetic. You'll sleep and be pain-free throughout the whole procedure.
When will I be fully healed from a tooth extraction?
Based on how many teeth you had taken out and your individual condition, the first stages of the healing process usually occur within one or two weeks. In the spaces where your teeth used to be, new gum tissue and bone grow.
You may encounter difficulty chewing or general aches and pains on your way to recovery, based on the invasiveness of your dental procedure.
Since everyone's situation is unique, you should reach out to Varinos Dental Associates of Newburyport to book a consultation so you can discover your options plus any necessary post-procedure treatments such as crowns or dental implants.
Call your nearest office today or schedule online using the booking tool.
