Good oral hygiene should always be practiced since the loss of a single tooth can have major impact upon your oral health and appearance. Although dentists will use every measure to prevent tooth loss, there are still some occasions when a tooth may need to be extracted. A tooth may need to be extracted if the following occurs:
- Severe decay
- Advanced periodontal disease
- Infection or abscess
- Orthodontic correction
- Malpositioned teeth
- Fractured teeth or roots
- Impacted teeth causing jaw pain or headaches
After careful examination and treatment, the dentist may advise to have a tooth extracted. Before a tooth is removed, the dentist will take an x-ray in order to understand the shape and position of the tooth and surrounding bone. Based on the degree of difficulty, we may refer you to an oral surgeon who specializes in difficult extractions.
A certain amount of pain and discomfort is to be expected following an extraction. We do recommend you rest after an extraction and have soft foods to eat for the days following the extraction. After a routine extraction, discomfort should lessen within three days to two weeks; typically NSAIDS or a mild prescribed pain medication lessens the discomfort. Depending on the type of extraction required, we will determine the best pain management for you. If you have prolonged or severe pain, swelling, bleeding or fever, call our office immediately.