Dental Extractions in Burr Ridge, IL
From time to time, children and adults need to have a tooth, or many teeth, removed – also known as an “extraction”. While there are many reasons that a tooth may have to be extracted, there is little reason to fear or have anxiety about the procedure. Learning more about the process, why dental extractions are necessary, and what to expect during the process can help put your mind at ease.
Reasons for Extractions
While your permanent teeth are meant to last a lifetime, there are several reasons that a tooth extraction may be necessary. One common reason is because a tooth has been badly damaged from decay or trauma, and hasn’t responded to repair efforts. Below are some other common reasons for extractions:
Crowded Teeth
In some situations, your dentist pulls a tooth or teeth in order to prepare your mouth for orthodontic treatment. This is the process of properly aligning the teeth, which is not possible if the teeth are too large. If your dentist discovers there is a tooth that cannot erupt through the gum tissue due to limited room in the mouth, extraction may be recommended.
Tooth Infection
If there is tooth decay present, or the damage is in the pulp of your tooth (this is the center that contains blood vessels and nerves) then the bacteria in the mouth can move into the pulp and cause a serious infection. While root canals can often correct this issue, if the infection is too severe then an extraction is necessary to prevent the infection from spreading further.
Periodontal Disease
If you suffer from periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, an infection in the bones and soft tissues that support and surround the teeth can result in some teeth becoming loose. In this situation, extraction may be recommended by the dentist or periodontist.
What to Expect
If your dentist recommends that a tooth needs to be extracted, try not to panic. Before the procedure begins your dentist is going to give you a local anesthetic to help numb the nerve and area around the tooth. If you are having multiple teeth pulled, or if the tooth has become impacted, your dentist may opt to use a stronger general anesthetic. This will help to prevent pain and possibly not even remember the actual extraction.
If the tooth is impacted, the dentist will have to cut away the bone tissue and gum tissue that covers the tooth before pulling it out. In some cases, hard to remove teeth have to be taken out in pieces.
After the procedure, the dentist will provide you with instructions for caring for the area and to help treat any pain or discomfort. In many cases, the extraction will actually eliminate any pain and discomfort you were experiencing.
If you have any questions or concerns about the extraction process, give us a call at 1st Family Dental of Burr Ridge.
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