You may need a Tooth Extraction:
- to remove teeth that are severely decayed that cannot be saved by root canal therapy.
- to remove teeth if you are a patient with advanced periodontal disease.
- to remove teeth which are broken beyond repair.
- to remove impacted wisdom teeth.
- to remove teeth which are causing crowding.
- for teeth that may be preventing other teeth from erupting.
- to correct malocclusion (“bad bite”) or teeth that are not aligned properly.
- in preparation for orthodontic treatment (braces).
Pulling A Tooth
To determine whether a tooth extraction is necessary, your dentist will examine your mouth and teeth and take an X-ray of the problem tooth. Although most extractions can be done by your dentist at Silverdale Dental Center, some difficult extractions must be performed by an oral surgeon.
Once it has been determined that you need a tooth extraction, your dentist will anesthetize (numb) the tooth that will be extracted, and the jawbone and gums that surround it. During the extraction, you should not feel pain, but you can expect to feel some pressure.
After the extraction, a small amount of bleeding is normal. Avoid smoking and drinking through a straw for 24 hours. Your dentist may prescribe pain medication and will advise you on how to best take care of your mouth after a tooth extraction.
