Toothache getting you down? You might want to get in touch with your dentist and book an appointment for a tooth extraction sooner rather than later. Don’t wait until the pain becomes unbearable.
Why a Tooth Extraction?
Here are a few possible reasons from Web MD on why you need to get your teeth pulled:
For alignment. Orthodontia is the process of fixing the alignment of your teeth. Teeth that get in the way of that, particularly teeth that might be too big for your mouth, are pulled. Similarly, if there’s not enough room for a tooth to grow into, your dentist will suggest simply pulling the teeth out.
To deal with an infection. When tooth decay affects the pulp and compromises the tooth’s nerves and blood vessels, it allows the bacteria in the mouth to enter the pulp. This could lead to infections. One way dentists deal with it is through root canal therapy, which involves removing the pulp, filling the gap up and covering the tooth with a metal jacket. However, if the infection persists, despite of antibiotics or root canal therapy, then the next course of action is a tooth extraction.
Risk of infection. Patients who are currently undergoing chemotherapy or are diagnosed with medical conditions characterized by a weak immune system might opt for a tooth extraction so as to reduce the risk of future infections. For someone with a compromised immune system, even a cold, much less a toothache, could be fatal.
What to Expect
Before the extraction takes place, your dentist will usually numb the surrounding area with a local anesthetic. This will make the operation painless. You’ll need to wait for a few minutes until the anesthetic takes hold. Do your best to be calm and relaxed at this point.
If you’ve got an impacted tooth, your dentist will use a stronger anesthetic. This is because impacted tooth requires that the gum and bone tissue over the tooth be cut open. Then your dentist will reach over with forceps, move it back and forth to force the ligaments that keep the tooth in place to give way until it finally shakes loose from your jaw bone.
If a blod clot happens, your dentist will either ask you to bite on a piece of gauze or stitch the wound close to stop the bleeding.
For more information, contact your dentist. If you’re in Biloxi, MS, the Harbor View Oral and Facial Surgery Center is conveniently within the area.
