There are many reasons to get a tooth extracted. For example, many people get their wisdom teeth extracted in their late teens or early twenties. Teeth can also be extracted due to damage and decay. However, we always try to save your natural teeth if possible. Dr. Suman Chibb of Owings Mills Dental Care, a dentist in Owings Mills, MD, explains why you may need an extraction.
Preventing Problems With Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth are an extra set of molars that tend to erupt when we’re in our late teens or early twenties. Sometimes, they can come in without causing any problems. However, sometimes when they erupt, the mouth doesn’t have the room for them that they need. The rest of your teeth can become cramped or crooked because the wisdom teeth are fighting for room in your mouth.
Impacted wisdom teeth can also be a problem. This means that they only come in part of the way and can damage your other teeth. Your other teeth can be cracked or broken and impacted wisdom teeth can lead to abscesses and infections. With the technology in our office, we can determine if wisdom teeth are going to cause problems and make sure you get a tooth extraction before the issues happen.
Treating Teeth That are Extremely Infected
Traditionally, we try to use the most conservative treatment plans possible. Treatment options like root canals or inlays and onlays are tried before extraction. Sometimes, though, these options aren’t enough. When the infection is severe enough, it can spread to your other teeth and jawbone. You want to make sure that you’re keeping the rest of your mouth as healthy as possible.
When the tooth is extracted, the tooth root is removed. This can cause your jawbone to deteriorate and your teeth to shift to fill in the gap where the old tooth was. We provide multiple options to replace missing teeth, particularly dental implants. Implants can replace the tooth root and reverse the deterioration in your jawbone.
Severe Damage to Teeth
Many broken teeth can be held together by a dental crown or utilizing dental bonding. But if these methods aren’t capable of treating the tooth, extraction may be needed. A broken tooth usually exposes the dental pulp, leaving it open to bacteria and infection.
The Tooth Extraction Process
Wisdom teeth have their own process for removal. But if we’re removing a tooth for other reasons, we start by numbing the area locally. At the root, we’ll loosen the tooth from the gums and gently rock it back and forth to completely break the connection. When the tooth is removed, we’ll close the area with sutures to prevent infection from developing.
You’ll be restricted to a soft diet for 24-48 hours. You’ll have to avoid drinking with straws or anything that involves a sucking motion to lessen your chances of getting dry socket. This is when the natural blood clot that covers where your tooth was is removed, opening it up to air, bacteria, and other issues.
Tooth Extraction at Your Owings Mills, Maryland Dentist
Do you think you may need a tooth extraction? Call us or schedule an appointment online.