“You need a tooth extraction,” aren’t words that a dental patient wants to hear. Neither are these words that your dentist will utter lightly. The first priority of any dentist is to keep as many of their patients’ natural teeth as possible. This is because these natural teeth are the best option when it comes smiling, chewing and biting. They are also necessary to help maintain the structure of your jawbone as well as your mouth.
Reasons for Having a Tooth Extraction
There are many different reasons why your dentist might recommend that you have a tooth extraction. In some cases, there has been an injury or an accident to the tooth and it cannot be saved. Sometimes, the wisdom teeth give a patient problems as they start to erupt. This often happens because there is little room in the far reaches of your mouth to accommodate four additional molars. Many dentists suggest that you have your molars removed if it appears that they’ll cause you to have issues at a later date.
A tooth extraction might also be recommended if you have decay or gum disease. Though a dentist wants to save a decayed or diseased tooth, there are some instances when doing so isn’t possible. Even efforts to save that particular tooth could result in endangering the teeth that are nearby. The best choice is often to extract the tooth because it can lead to a healthier gum.
What to Expect During a Tooth Extraction
When you have your tooth extracted, your dentist’s first focus is going to be to make you as comfortable as possible. Today’s dentists understand that many people have dental anxiety that can cause them to put off the proper dental care. You’ll have anesthetics that are designed to reduce the amount of discomfort you feel. After the procedure, you’ll be given a list of instructions that include after-surgery care and when you should return for a follow-up.
After the Tooth Extraction
In addition to the anxiety that patients often feel when they need to undergo a tooth extraction, there is another concern too. Many patients want to know about their options for tooth replacement. While this is a particular concern when it is a front or visible tooth that must be extracted, even teeth in the back of your mouth should have a replacement. Planning for a replacement tooth not only provides you with a beautiful smile, it also protects the structure of your entire mouth and jaw.
Previously, the procedure has been for dentists to wait under you’ve had a period of healing before they move on to the replacement phase. These days, though, the benefits of a tooth replacement at the same time as your extraction have made this option the preferred route of treatment.
At Greater Baltimore Prosthodontics, we offer a range of different options for our patients who are facing a tooth extraction. Contact us today to schedule an appointment to learn about those options!