Extractions
Wisdom tooth removal is the most well-known form of extraction. You may have had your wisdom teeth The actual process of tooth extraction entails delicately lifting the tooth from its position within the jawbone socket. At Smiles 4 Keeps, our foremost approach is always to exhaust all potential avenues for repairing or restoring the natural tooth before even contemplating the possibility of dental extraction. Nevertheless, there are situations where extractions become the most optimal and imperative course of action.
Reasons for Extractions
While wisdom tooth removal is a common practice among teenagers and some adults, in pediatric dentistry, there are various other compelling reasons that may necessitate tooth extraction:
- Excessive Tooth Decay: When teeth are extensively affected by decay and are beyond repair, extraction becomes a viable solution.
- Tooth Infection: In cases of severe tooth infections, extraction may be required to prevent the spread of the infection to other areas.
- Tooth Crowding: Overcrowded teeth can lead to misalignment issues and, in such instances, extracting a tooth can help create space for proper alignment
- Over Retained Baby Teeth: Some children may retain baby teeth for longer than usual, impeding the eruption of permanent teeth. Extraction may be necessary to facilitate the natural transition.
- Severe Tooth Damage/Trauma: Teeth that have suffered significant damage or trauma, such as fractures, may need to be extracted if they cannot be effectively restored.
- Misaligned/Nonfunctioning Teeth: Teeth that are misaligned or nonfunctional in the dental arch may require extraction to maintain proper oral health.
- Orthodontic Treatment: In some orthodontic cases, one or more teeth may need to be extracted to create space for the remaining teeth as they shift into their corrected positions.
Types of Extractions
There are two primary types of dental extractions: simple extractions and surgical extractions, each serving a specific purpose.
- Simple Extractions: These extractions are carried out when the tooth or teeth that require removal are easily visible in the mouth. Typically, local anesthetics or sedation, as recommended by our experts, are used to ensure patient comfort during the procedure.
- Surgical Extractions: Surgical extractions are reserved for situations where the tooth cannot be readily seen or accessed in the oral cavity. Such cases may involve teeth that have broken off at the gum line or have not fully erupted. In these instances, a dentist may recommend a surgical approach, which can also be performed under local anesthesia or sedation.
Recovery Timeline
The healing and recovery period following a tooth extraction typically spans 5-7 days, assuming no complications like a dry socket occur. A dry socket arises when a blood clot fails to form over the extraction site, leaving it exposed to air or bacteria. Rest assured, our professionals will provide you with comprehensive guidance on how to prevent and manage a dry socket. Complete gum healing typically occurs within three to four weeks, ensuring your oral health is fully restored.