Tooth Extractions - Why Do We Need Them?

Tooth Extractions

A tooth extraction is a last resort when other dental treatments cannot save your severely damaged or decayed teeth. The process is quick, painless and effective.

You will experience some tenderness after the procedure, but over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen can significantly reduce discomfort and swelling. We will also provide you with detailed post-procedure instructions.

Tooth Decay

Tooth decay starts when bacteria build up on the teeth and gums. Over time, the bacteria release acids that damage the enamel and dentin of the tooth. This can lead to holes (caries) and sensitivity to hot or cold food and drink. If the decay reaches the pulp of the tooth, we may recommend a root canal or extractions dallas texas.

Poor oral hygiene can lead to bacteria building up in the mouth and spreading to other parts of the body. This puts people at a greater risk for developing serious health issues like heart disease, stroke, or weakening of the immune system.

Tooth extractions are necessary for several reasons including severe decay, infection, and crowding. After the procedure, you will likely experience pain and swelling for a few days, but this should lessen with medication and time. Be sure to eat soft foods and take it easy to reduce complications. We will provide detailed post-operative instructions to speed healing.

Infection

Infection is an invasion of your body by germs, usually bacteria or viruses. Symptoms may include fever, chills, shaking, or feeling very cold. If you have these symptoms, see your doctor right away.

If you don’t get medical treatment quickly, you could develop sepsis, a severe and life-threatening illness. This happens when the infection spreads from your mouth to other parts of your body, such as your lungs, kidneys, heart, or brain. It can also spread from animal to human, such as when you touch an infected animal’s ear and then rub your nose or eyes.

A tooth extraction can sometimes cause an infection, called a dry socket. This occurs when the blood clot at the extraction site dislodges or dissolves before healing. Symptoms of a dry socket include severe pain, a bad taste in your mouth, and visible bone at the site. To prevent an infection after a tooth extractions dallas texas, follow our dentist’s aftercare instructions carefully.

Impacted Wisdom Teeth

In many cases, wisdom teeth don’t have enough space to grow through the gum tissue and jawbone. When this occurs, the tooth is referred to as “impacted.” In addition to being difficult to clean and potentially infected, impacted wisdom teeth can damage other nearby teeth or cause cysts and other serious oral health problems.

Symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth include pain and swelling in the back of the mouth that may radiate to the head or face. Swollen, red or bleeding gums are also common signs of an impacted wisdom tooth, as is bad breath and a bad taste in the mouth. X-rays can reveal impacted wisdom teeth and help determine whether or not they need to be removed. If the wisdom teeth are impacted, it is best to have them removed to prevent future complications. However, removing them can sometimes lead to damage to nerves, the jawbone or other teeth. An oral and maxillofacial surgeon with experience in wisdom teeth removal can minimize these risks.

Broken Teeth

Tooth breakage can occur due to traumatic impact, teeth grinding and clenching (bruxism), chewing hard foods or ice, and poor dental hygiene. Broken teeth can lead to pain, tooth decay, infection, and other health problems.

A cracked or fractured tooth may not always hurt, depending on the extent of the crack and how it is located within the tooth. Some cracks may extend to the pulp (the innermost portion of a tooth that contains blood vessels and nerves) and cause pain, while others can be treated with root canal therapy.

A crack may also expose the roots of a tooth to air and can cause pain, sensitivity to hot and cold, or bleeding gums. A broken tooth should be seen by a dentist as soon as possible to ensure proper healing and prevent more serious problems down the road. A dentist can check a suspected cracked or broken tooth with an oral mirror, dental x-rays, and a dental dye.