When Is a Tooth Extraction Necessary Federal Way, WA
Although it is best to preserve a natural tooth, there are times when a tooth extraction is necessary. An extraction may be the best option to maintain oral health due to trauma, disease, or crowding. Tooth extraction involves the complete removal of one or more teeth from the jaw bone.
Tooth extraction is available at Smile Center Dental Care in Federal Way and the surrounding area. Our team can extract teeth gently and safely to preserve your oral health. Call us at (253) 336-0023 to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment.
A Normal Procedure
While it is best to preserve natural teeth, many reasons can necessitate tooth extraction. Sometimes a filling or crown is not enough to restore a tooth. The American Dental Association suggests the extraction of teeth that have suffered severe trauma, have extreme tooth decay or disease, or are crowding the surrounding teeth. It is also normal for patients to have an extraction or two before orthodontic treatment.
Many tooth extractions are relatively simple and performed in-office. For teeth that are visible about the gum line, we will numb the extraction site and remove the tooth with forceps. Broken or impacted teeth require a more involved procedure.
“The American Dental Association suggests the extraction of teeth that have suffered severe trauma, have extreme tooth decay or disease, or are crowding the surrounding teeth.”
Reasons for Tooth Extraction
Tooth extractions are often performed to stop an infection. For most people, this occurs due to gum disease. Gum disease is a result of bacteria getting below the gum line, causing an infection. If left untreated, oral bacteria may lead to receding gums, loose teeth, and jawbone damage. Gum disease is also reportedly one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults.
Chronic dental infections may also cause inflammation, a condition linked to several systemic diseases – including cardiovascular disease and stroke. Root canals are often sufficient to save teeth from decay. In rare cases, however, a tooth may be too far gone to reasonably save. In such cases, extracting the tooth may be the most reasonable option.
“Tooth extractions are often performed to stop an infection.”
Common Types of Tooth Extractions
Teeth are often extracted when they are either crowding or impacted. Crowded teeth cannot fit adequately in the mouth, while impacted teeth (usually wisdom teeth) do not have enough room to grow. Impacted wisdom teeth are among the most common types of tooth extractions, and they typically come in during a patient's late teens or twenties. Not all wisdom teeth have to be extracted. However, once they start causing problems, extraction may become necessary.
It is also not uncommon to require tooth extractions before receiving braces. Orthodontic treatment necessitates a proper realignment of the teeth, which requires adequate room in the mouth. As such, crowded teeth may require extraction to achieve desired results. This may also reduce the patient's risk of developing cavities and gum disease.
“Teeth are often extracted when they are either crowding or impacted.”
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When Tooth Restorations Are Not Enough
Thanks to modern-day advances in dental technology, there are several tooth restoration treatments available that a patient may be able to try before having to turn to tooth extraction. In most cases, time is of the essence, and patients who can come in to see Smile Center Dental Care soon enough have higher chances of saving their teeth. However, teeth that are severely decayed are usually beyond repair, and gums that are severely infected are generally unable to support the teeth.
Adult teeth are meant to be permanent and can withstand tremendous wear and tear. Still, this does not make them strong enough to endure countless repairs. Each treatment and retreatment wears away at the natural tooth until there is little left to save. At a certain point, the patient will only experience more dental health problems by maintaining their natural tooth, and a tooth extraction becomes the most viable option.
“…teeth that are severely decayed are usually beyond repair, and gums that are severely infected are generally unable to support the teeth.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. Why would a tooth need to be extracted?
Q. What sorts of trauma can necessitate tooth extraction?
Q. What are the reasons for tooth extraction?
Q. What are the common types of tooth extractions?
Q. When are tooth restorations not enough to save a tooth?
People Also Ask
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Trauma and Tooth Extraction
Teeth are tough but not indestructible. Traumatic dental injuries can occur from a sports injury, car accident, or even a simple slip and fall. While many injuries are minor, if the tooth becomes severely damaged to the point where restoration is not possible, an extraction will be necessary.
After sustaining tooth trauma, patients should schedule an appointment quickly to improve their outcomes. Our team can look for signs of additional damage that may not be immediately obvious. Severely fractured teeth can be very loose and unable to be restored with dental work, thus making tooth extraction necessary. Patients should take any dental trauma seriously, even if it seems mild.
“While many injuries are minor, if the tooth becomes severely damaged to the point where restoration is not possible, an extraction will be necessary.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Do tooth extractions hurt?
A. In most cases, the patient will receive general or local anesthesia to keep them comfortable during the procedure. Some teeth that require extraction have even lost some of their nerve signals. We will do everything in our power to keep your safety and comfort at the forefront of everything we do.
Q. What should I tell my dentist before my tooth extraction?
A. Tooth extraction is generally a safe procedure, but there is a small risk of harmful bacteria entering the bloodstream. It also puts gum tissue at a small risk of infection. As such, patients with any conditions that put them at high risk for developing a severe infection may need to take antibiotics before and after the extraction. Make sure to let Smile Center Dental Care know your complete medical history and any medications and supplements you are currently taking. It is also essential to let us know if you have congenital heart defects, artificial joints, damaged or man-made heart valves, impaired immune system, liver disease, or a history of bacterial endocarditis.
Q. When should I call the dentist after my tooth extraction?
A. Some swelling and residual bleeding 24 hours after a tooth extraction are normal and to be expected. However, you should call us immediately if you are experiencing severe pain and bleeding for more than four hours after the tooth extraction. You should also let us know if you are experiencing any signs of infection (such as fever and chills), nausea and vomiting, cough, shortness of breath, redness, swelling, chest pain, or excessive discharge from the treated area.
Q. What is it like to recover from a tooth extraction?
A. It usually takes a few days to recover from a tooth extraction. Some minor pain and discomfort are not unusual, and they can generally be controlled with over-the-counter medications. Eating soft foods, refraining from tobacco use, and applying an ice pack can also help.
Q. What happens after a tooth extraction?
A. We may prescribe you painkillers to prevent infection. Take these as directed. Do not rinse or spit forcefully for 24 hours after the extraction, lest you dislodge the clot forming in the socket. Remember to follow any other direction we provide you.
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Dental Terminology
Call Us Today
When necessary, tooth extraction can relieve pain and give you have a more functional smile. Our team at Smile Center Dental Care can help determine whether you are a good candidate for this procedure. Call us at 253-336-0023 to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2024
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2024
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2024
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