The Truth About Why Having A Tooth Extracted Can Improve Your Dental Health

OFTEN, TOOTH EXTRACTION IS A VITAL STEP IN SHOWING OFF YOUR STRAIGHTER, MORE ATTRACTIVE SMILE
Back when you were a little kid, losing a tooth meant a little money from the tooth fairy. However, as soon as you had all your adult teeth, losing a tooth became a lot less fun. There are numerous reasons why you might need a dental extraction to maintain your oral health, like an impacted tooth, to prevent overcrowding, or a decayed tooth. Even though a tooth extraction may not seem like a good time, it's no longer as frightening or uncomfortable as it used to be. Using current techniques and many sedation options, MINT dentistry in Mesquite makes tooth extractions a bit easier in case you require one. Our staff in Mesquite, TX will thoroughly evaluate the affected area before suggesting an extraction. When a tooth needs to be removed, our team works hard to make sure you are relaxed from beginning to end. Read on to learn about both techniques of dental extractions and the top reasons a tooth might have to be pulled.

TYPES OF TOOTH EXTRACTIONS
There are multiple reasons why a tooth may need to be removed. To begin, your team at MINT dentistry in Mesquite will establish the cause of your oral symptoms. Then, they will decide what type of tooth removal best suits your needs. Almost all tooth extractions fit into two primary categories:

• SURGICAL EXTRACTION
  An extraction surgery will be done when the tooth hasn't fully broken out of the gumline. This means that an incision is required to get to the tooth inside the tissue. If needed, the tooth could be divided into many pieces for an easier removal. A surgical extraction is typically used to remove the wisdom teeth or a nonerupted tooth.
• SIMPLE EXTRACTION
  A dental practitioner will conduct a simple extraction if your tooth is visible above the gums. The tooth may be loosened with a tool known as an elevator before the tooth and root are removed from the jawbone and gum tissue. This technique is generally selected if a tooth is seriously infected, very decayed, or irreparable, or to help with overcrowding.

COMMON REASONS YOU MIGHT BE REQUIRED TO HAVE A TOOTH REMOVED
Many different tooth problems can lead to the need for a tooth extraction. One of the top reasons people in Mesquite, TX will need a tooth extraction is to prevent a tooth eruption problem. Here are many of the additional common reasons you may require a dental extraction:

• TEETH THAT HAVEN'T ERUPTED
  When you have an impacted tooth, it means there is some type of blockage preventing the tooth from breaking out of the gum tissue. An impacted tooth could be stuck behind a baby tooth that hasn't fallen out naturally, or it might be developing in an abnormal direction and is obstructed by another adult (permanent) tooth. Based on the cause of the impaction, the dentist might recommend a surgical or simple extraction to reduce pain or prevent an infection.
• MOLARS
  Most people's third molars, also called the wisdom teeth, will most likely need to be extracted. The human jaw normally isn't big enough fit these particular teeth, so when they start to push through the gums (usually during ages 15 – 22), your dentist could suggest a surgical extraction. It's best to get your third molars extracted as early as you can, so they don't get infected or impacted. However, some men and women don't need to get their third molars extracted. It's uncommon, but some lucky patients don't grow all four wisdom teeth or even any whatsoever!
• SEVERE DECAY
  When a cavity is ignored or not handled appropriately, it will often spread to the pulp inside the tooth. While a root canal might potentially be conducted to save the tooth, it may have to be extracted if the damage is severe enough to undermine the tooth. A simple extraction can prevent the decay and disease from transferring to other teeth, the gums, jawbone, and, finally, your blood.
• OVERCROWDING OF THE TEETH
  Often, a tooth or teeth may have to be taken out before an orthodontic treatment such as Invisalign or metal braces. These treatments are made to gently push the teeth into their proper positions, which could mean pulling one or more teeth if there is overcrowding so the others can fit. Tooth overcrowding is typically resolved with simple extraction.
• INJURY TO THE TEETH
  Regrettably, accidents can happen to the best of us, and, occasionally, our teeth might be harmed. While the ideal choice is usually to attempt to preserve the tooth, it may not be possible. The injury might be due to a car accident or perhaps a sports or work incident, but no matter the reason, people in Mesquite, TX really need to arrange an appointment with a dentist if they have a mouth injury. It's possible that the damage might not be obvious to a nonprofessional.

HEALING PROCESS AFTER A TOOTH EXTRACTION
When you've had a tooth extraction, it's important to pay attention to and diligently follow your dentist’s after-care instructions. A simple extraction will generally require less healing time than a surgical extraction; however, it will depend on each specific case. You might be prescribed antibiotics to prevent infection, as well as a pain medication. You might opt to stick to a liquid diet for the immediate couple of days after the extraction, when your gums are still sensitive and healing. This is a great opportunity to snack on a little ice cream, but you should also make soup, etc., for healthier foods. You must stop consuming all tobacco products, leading up to and after your extraction, because they may impair your body's ability to heal properly. Your dentist might recommend using an antibiotic mouthwash until you are released to go back to brushing and flossing again.

THE SOLUTION TO A HEALTHIER, MORE APPROACHABLE SMILE MAY INCLUDE A DENTAL EXTRACTION
A tooth extraction could be performed for several reasons, including to stop decay from affecting other teeth, to address an impaction, or just to allow your other teeth additional space. Dealing with all of these issues at MINT dentistry in Mesquite is important in finally having your most attractive smile. Call our practice in Mesquite, TX to schedule an appointment with our knowledgeable staff to talk about whether a simple or surgical extraction might be the most effective option for your future smile.