A dental extraction is when a tooth is removed from its place in the gum and bone of your jaw. Compared to many other dental procedures, an extraction can sound intimidating and even a little scary. However, at Summit Dental Group, we believe that education and understanding of the reasons that may warrant a tooth extraction will help ease your mind if you’ve been told by your Boise dentist you need to have a tooth removed.
Only your Boise dentist can recommend the best course of action related to a tooth extraction. Unless it’s an emergency situation, an extraction will be based on a thorough examination and comprehensive evaluation of your dental health.
For more complicated extractions, Summit Dental Group will refer you to a skilled oral surgeon. These cases can include severely impacted or damaged teeth. Below are some reasons your Boise dentist may recommend a tooth extraction.
If a tooth has been damaged due to an accident or trauma, it may not be possible to repair it. If this is the case, an extraction may be the only option.
A severe infection or decay that affects the pulp of a tooth can be a reason for extraction, especially if an infection doesn’t respond to antibiotics. In certain cases regarding gum disease, a tooth may need to be removed if the root is exposed or has become damaged.
Wisdom teeth are a common extraction because they often can’t push through the gum or if a patient’s jaw is too small to accommodate them without crowding other teeth. In these cases, extraction is often recommended by your Boise dentist, especially if they are impacted, turned at odd angles or affecting the bit and chewing ability of a patient. Furthermore, teeth may need to be extracted for functional or cosmetic reasons.
At Summit Dental, this is one of the most common questions our Boise dentists get asked. Even the common practice of removing a wisdom tooth isn’t always necessary, and a toothache doesn’t automatically mean a tooth should be extracted. That’s why a thorough evaluation of a patient’s mouth is necessary to determine the best course of action.
Below are some common signs that may indicate whether or not a tooth should be extracted:
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to schedule an appointment with your Boise dentist as soon as possible.
With modern techniques and local anesthesia, the extraction of a tooth is nothing to fear. In fact, having a tooth removed often causes no more discomfort than having a cavity filled.
Upon the recommendations of your Boise dentist, there should be no complications from a tooth extraction. These often include resting for at least 24 hours after the procedure and limiting your activity for a few days to allow your mouth to heal. Often we will recommend an over-the-counter pain reliever like Ibuprofen or Tylenol. However, we may choose to provide you with a prescription depending on your individual needs.
Normally, the extraction site will heal completely within a month or so. After that, your Boise dentist can start preparing for a restoration like a dental implant. Restorations can help prevent your teeth from shifting that can affect your bite and ability to eat or speak down the road. These can include implants, bridges or partial dentures.
If you suspect you have a tooth that may need to be removed, contact Summit Dental Group at (208) 314-2275 or fill out our online form to make an appointment. Our goal is to make your smile more beautiful while preserving the health and integrity of your natural teeth. With us, an extraction is a last resort option. That’s why we take the time to advise you on the various treatment options available to protect and preserve the function of your teeth.
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