The Process of Tooth Extraction for Adults
Mar 01, 2020
Now and then we hear of the emphasis of salvaging teeth in dentistry. It makes you wonder why a tooth extraction is still an option in modern dentistry. The truth is, many people in the world are still incurring damage in their teeth, despite intense sensitization. However, is that enough reason to have your teeth removed?
What Does Tooth Extraction Concern?
It is about the forceful removal of a mature tooth from its root. This means that the tooth is not necessarily wobbly for it to be removed. Dentists recommend tooth removal procedures for different reasons. For example, extracting teeth for kids could be for the sole purpose of creating room for adult teeth. However, extracting a tooth from an adult is a whole game-changer. There must be convincing reasons why you should pull out your tooth instead of saving it.
What Are Some of The Reasons A Tooth is Removed?
Much as you have an opinion over what happens to your teeth, your dentist is often the one suggesting tooth extraction. Some of the reasons for it include:
- Severe tooth decay – most of the teeth that are extracted suffer from tooth decay. The decay process advances with time if it is not handled early enough. It spread out the infection further inside the tooth. It even causes damage in the surrounding tissues and can damage the adjacent teeth as well. Extracting a severely decayed tooth is the best course of action to protect the rest of the mouth.
- Wobbly teeth – in some cases, tooth extraction is necessary following unstable support. This is common for patients suffering from periodontitis. The disease damages the gum tissue and bone structure, tampering with the support system of teeth.
- Wisdom teeth – unusually grown wisdom teeth can be a big bother to you. They tend to hide underneath the gums, making chewing difficult. Others press too much on the adjacent teeth, putting unnecessary pressure on them.
- Broken teeth – a badly broken tooth can leave very little tooth structure behind. This undermines the point of salvaging a tooth’s natural structure. Such can be removed with ease, especially if it caused pain.
- Severe toothache – removing a tooth because of severe pain is not irrational. However, this action is taken where root canal therapy may not be effective for treating the tooth.
What is the Process of Removing A Tooth?
Tooth removal is not a new concept in dentistry. It has been done for kids for so many years. The only difference is the age of the patient sitting in the dentist’s chair. The steps involved in tooth extraction for adult teeth include the following:
- Local anesthesia – sedation is necessary to help alleviate pain and discomfort, as well as keep you calm during the procedure.
- Incision – a cut is made in the gum tissue to expose the bone underneath. The bone is then removed. Usually, it blocks the pathway to the tooth, which is how it supports it.
Shaking the foundations – the target tooth is rocked back and forth. This effort is so that the tooth can loosen from its root for easy removal.
- Removal – when the tooth is shaky enough, it is easy to detach from the socket. However, in some cases, teeth can be stubborn. To remove stubborn teeth, your dentist may have to break the tooth into small pieces the smaller pieces of the tooth will be easy to remove than doing it as a whole.
Does Tooth Extraction Hurt?
Pain is a concern for every patient. For any dental work, it is typical to worry about the discomfort that can result. Ideally, tooth extraction is not the most painless procedure in dentistry. Since the tooth is been shaken from its foundation to be removed, pain and discomfort are part of the process. However, you will barely feel a scratch, thanks to local anesthesia. It numbs your mouth so you do not feel any pain during the dental works.
The only thing you may need to master is a couple of tooth extraction aftercare tips. These will help you cope with the discomfort as your mouth and gums heal. Any soreness after your procedure wears off after a few days.