Tooth extraction is removing a tooth from its place in the bone. You might need a tooth extracted for many reasons, from a tooth infection to wisdom teeth. Dr. Aaron Barborka provides comfortable tooth extraction treatment in his Winchester, VA, dental office. Tooth extractions are general dental treatments that help prevent future dental problems.
Extractions might sound a bit scary, but they are often necessary to maintain your oral health. Knowledge is power and can help ease anxiety. If you understand the extraction and why you need it, you can feel more comfortable if you ever need this procedure.
Types of Tooth Extractions
There are two main types of tooth extractions: simple and surgical. We perform a simple extraction on a tooth that is visible in the mouth. During a simple extraction, the dentist loosens the tooth with a tool called an elevator and then removes it with forceps. This procedure is typically quick and done under local anesthesia.
A surgical extraction is more complex and is necessary if the tooth has not erupted or is broken off at the gum line. Oral surgeons typically perform surgical extractions. These may require stitches to close the site. A dentist will usually use local anesthesia for this type of extraction. However, you may need sedation or general anesthesia, especially if you need multiple teeth removed.
Reasons for Tooth Extraction
There are several reasons why a dentist might recommend extracting a tooth. One common reason is severe tooth decay. If a tooth is so badly decayed that Dr. Barborak can’t repair it with a filling or crown, he may need to remove it. This will prevent the decay from spreading to other teeth.
Another reason for tooth extraction is damage from trauma. If a tooth breaks or cracks beyond repair due to an injury, our dentist may need to take it out.
Infections are also a reason for extractions. If tooth decay or damage reaches the pulp, bacteria can enter and lead to an infection. Sometimes, a root canal can fix this, but if the infection is severe, extraction might be necessary to prevent it from spreading.
Crowding is another reason for tooth extraction. Sometimes, teeth are too large for the mouth, causing overcrowding. This is particularly common with wisdom teeth. These often do not have enough room to grow properly and can cause pain or infection.
Gum disease, which affects the tissues and bones that support the teeth, can also lead to tooth extraction if it becomes severe enough to loosen the teeth.
Complications to Watch For
While most tooth extractions heal without problems, complications can sometimes occur. Be aware of signs of infection, such as fever, persistent pain, or pus at the extraction site. Another possible complication is dry socket. This happens if the blood clot in the socket dislodges or dissolves before the wound has healed. As a result, it exposes the bone and nerves. This can be very painful and requires treatment by your dentist.
If you experience severe pain, prolonged bleeding, swelling that worsens after a few days, or any other concerning symptoms, contact Dr. Aaron Barborka immediately.