Tooth Extraction: Why It Is Needed and What to Expect with It

Extracting one or more teeth is sometimes necessary for a variety of reasons. Although this procedure is often performed and is experienced by both adults and children, more people are still nervous about undergoing a tooth extraction procedure.

When the tooth has been broken or damaged by decay, the dentist will try to fix it with a dental filling, crown, or other treatment. However, when the tooth is severely damaged that it is beyond repairable, then it needs to be extracted. There are several other reasons why the tooth needs to be pulled out.

Here are other reasons:

• People getting braces may need teeth extracted to create room for the remaining teeth to align correctly.
• Some people have extra teeth or known as teeth crowding, that may block other teeth from erupting.
• People receiving radiation therapy to the head and neck may need to have the teeth in the field of radiation extracted.
• The baby teeth sometimes don’t fall out in time; that is why it needs to be extracted to allow the permanent teeth to erupt.
• People receiving treatment for cancer are vulnerable to infection in the teeth. Infected teeth may need to be pulled out.
• Some teeth may need to be extracted if they become a source of infection after an organ transplant.
• Tooth extraction is also needed when the tooth is impacted.

What to expect with tooth extraction?

Before performing the procedure, the dentist or oral surgeon will administer a local anesthetic to numb the area where the tooth will be removed. There are also instances where the dentist may use a strong general anesthetic to help prevent pain in the entire body. Patients are usually unconscious or in deep sleep once a strong general anesthetic has been given to them.

When the tooth is found to be impacted, the dentist will cut away gum and bone tissue that cover the tooth. Then, the dentist will grasp the tooth and gently rock it back and forth by using forceps to loosen it from the jaw bone and ligaments that hold it in place. Sometimes, when the tooth is difficult to pull out, it must be removed in pieces.

Once the tooth has been successfully extracted, a blood clot usually forms in the socket. After that, the dentist will place a gauze pad in the socket and have the patient bite it down to help stop the bleeding. Sometimes, the dentist will place a few stitches, which are usually self-dissolving, to close the gum edges over the extraction site.

There will also be instances where blood clot in the socket breaks loose, exposing the bone in the socket. This painful condition is called a dry socket. Contact the dentist immediately to treat and alleviate the pain. The dentist will likely place a sedative dressing over the socket for a few days to protect and allow the forming of the new clot.

For inquiries about Teeth Extractions in Wauwatosa, WI, contact us and book an appointment with us at Wauwatosa Dental Arts. You can also visit us at 11600 W. North Ave., Wauwatosa, WI 53226.