Tooth ExtractionDecay and DamageWhile we can often repair teeth that have minor cavities or have been chipped, some teeth are beyond help. Again, we never want to extract a tooth that can be saved, and we will do everything we can to keep your natural teeth. When the damage or decay is too great, however, the only solution is to remove the tooth. Leaving it can cause pain and allow bacteria to get into your gums. From there, it can lead to gum disease, infect other teeth, and even get into your bloodstream and cause problems in other parts of your body. Infection or Risk of InfectionIf the pulp of a tooth has become infected and a root canal cannot be done or fails, the tooth likely needs to be removed. In some cases, we may even need to remove a tooth that is not yet infected but is at risk of infection. This typically occurs when we have a patient who is immunocompromised. These patients cannot run the risk of infection, so we may have to remove a tooth to avoid a potential life-threatening infection. Crowding in the MouthIn some cases, we may even need to extract a healthy tooth. This typically happens when your mouth is too crowded. It is possible for someone with a small mouth or small jaw to not have enough space for all of their adult teeth. When this occurs, the teeth become misaligned or impacted. When this occurs, we may need to remove the impacted tooth or one of the misaligned teeth in order to provide space for the rest. Gum DiseaseIf you have severe gum or periodontal disease, you may have teeth that have become loose. When this occurs, sometimes the only option is to extract those teeth. Without the secure foundation that your gums and jaw provide, you may eventually lose those teeth regardless of whether or not we extract them. The Extraction ProcessWhen you come in for an extraction, we will numb the part of your mouth around the tooth we are removing. We will carefully remove the tooth, cutting into the bone and gum if necessary. Once removed, we pack the socket with gauze to control the bleeding. In some cases, you may even need stitches. We will provide you with specific instructions on what to do after the extraction, including what you can eat and take if you are in any discomfort. Typically, extractions heal up within a week. However, you will need to rest for a day or two. If you begin to experience pain, more bleeding, or show signs of infection, you will need to contact us as soon as you can. The team here at Dallas Oral Surgery Associates is always ready to assist you. If you believe you need to have an extraction or are having issues after an extraction, call us at 214-363-9946. |
