Tooth Extraction: When It Is Necessary and How to Prepare
Dental technology has produced numerous treatments and procedures that can be used to save a damaged tooth. There are dozens of options to choose from, like fillings, implants, crowns, bridges, root canals, and many more. But when the damage to your tooth is so severe that no treatment can make it better, the dentist would recommend a tooth extraction.
When Is It Time for an Extraction?
As a rule, dentists will do all they can to save a tooth before extracting it. But there are cases where it is the best course of action to take, such as the following.
The tooth is damaged beyond repair.
If the decay has grown so much that other dental procedures won’t be able to save the tooth, then it is best to have it extracted. This way, you will also be protecting the neighbouring teeth from being eaten by the bacteria.
Keeping a tooth in your mouth when it is in the advanced stages of decay will only compromise the health of your other teeth, as well as your overall oral health. Tooth extraction is therefore the best procedure to choose in this situation.
The tooth is blocking other teeth from emerging.
There are cases when certain teeth grow out at an angle that prevents other teeth from coming in. This would cause problems as the new tooth tries to push its way out, including extreme pain and possibly an infection.
Teeth are being aligned with braces
In some teeth alignment procedures, there will be a need for extra space as the teeth are gradually moved into their new places. A tooth extraction would be necessary to create this space.
Preparatory Measures to Take
Prior to coming in for the procedure, there are a few things that you should do in order to have the best outcome possible. Since there is dental surgery involved, you should not eat anything for 12 hours before the time of the procedure. This will keep you from feeling nauseous during and also after the extraction.
If you smoke, you should also refrain from lighting up starting 12 hours before the surgery. You should also avoid smoking for at least 24 hours after the treatment as this can cause delays in recovery, as well as dry socket and other unpleasant side effects.
On the day of the procedure, you don’t want to wear your best clothes because there is a chance of accidental staining. Most dentists would also advise skipping jewellery and dark lipstick, as well as perfumes and contact lenses.
A tooth extraction is a very routine procedure and will not hurt as you might be imagining. If done by experienced dentists, like the ones at Marsfield Dental Care, it will be over in a few minutes and you won’t even feel a thing. Contact us if you have any enquiries or if you want to set an appointment.
