The procedure of getting a tooth removed from the mouth is called a tooth extraction. A professional dentist performs it at a dental practice under the influence of a sedative. Before extracting the tooth, we consider every possible method of saving it. But, when no treatment method helps, it is best to get the tooth removed as it could lead to complications in the future.
Need for tooth extractions
Cavities: In most cases, an extraction is performed when the patient has a bad cavity. We will try to restore the cavity-infected tooth using a tooth-colored filling material made from ceramic or composite resin. In the case of a bigger cavity, we would prefer an inlay. But, if the decay is so severe that there’s no option but to remove the tooth, an extraction would be the last resort option.
External trauma: When the patient sustains an external injury to the mouth, it can result in cracking or chipped teeth. When left untreated, these teeth can give rise to infections or even fail. Restorations such as veneers, crowns, or composite bonding can be used to restore them. But when the tooth is too weak to be restored, it is best to extract it.
Root canal infection: Root canal infection occurs when the pulp of the tooth gets infected by the microbes in the oral cavity. Root canal therapy can be carried out to treat the condition. But, when it doesn’t yield the desired results, the dentist would recommend you get the tooth extracted to keep the condition from spreading to the nearby teeth and gums as well.
Impacted wisdom tooth: Wisdom teeth may sometimes get impacted or, in simpler words, get stuck when they are emerging from the jawbone. This condition can be very painful and potentially give rise to infections. Extracting the impacted teeth is the best way to treat it.
How is the extraction performed?
When a patient learns that they will have to get a tooth extraction done, the first thing that comes to their mind is that it is going to be very painful. This is a common misconception. When we prepare you for an extraction, local anesthesia will be administered to the gums. This numbs the gums, teeth, and jawbone so that the pain and discomfort during the procedure are reduced.
After the drug takes effect, the tooth will be gripped firmly using forceps. To loosen it from the socket, we will shake it a few times. Once it is loose enough, it will be pulled off from the socket in one go. You wouldn’t feel any pain during this, but rather a feeling of pressure at the time the tooth is being removed. The dentist will give you suitable aftercare instructions to facilitate optimum healing.
Please schedule an online appointment or call us at (773) 374-9778 for Chicago and (708) 914-4381 for Homewood to have a consultation with Dr. Moore, and we will be happy to help.