Teeth may need to be extracted if they are decayed, infected, or causing pain due to gum disease, and can no longer be treated any other way. A tooth extraction can be a routine procedure or a minor surgical procedure we perform at Cortez Dental. Patients of all ages come to us for this procedure when teeth need to be pulled for any reason! The most common reasons for removing a tooth are because it is severely decayed or broken beyond repair, is crowding out other teeth in the mouth, or is generally unhealthy and can no longer be treated.
Extractions are performed to keep the mouth healthy and free of infection. Healthy teeth can be realigned into their proper positions after the crowding tooth has been pulled. After the removal, the gum is sutured closed for healing. A dental restoration may be necessary to replace the missing tooth structure.
The problem tooth is first identified and located. Sometimes an X-ray is required to determine the exact location of the tooth in the bone. Once the dentist is sure that the tooth can be safely removed, he will loosen it from the gum and bone tissue surrounding it by using forceps, gently rock it back and forth from the jawbone and ligaments that hold it in place. Sometimes, he may break it into several pieces to more easily remove it.
If the tooth was deeply impacted or has not yet fully erupted through the gum line, our dentist may need to remove some of the surrounding bone so that it does not block the eruption of a replacement tooth. In this case, the patient may need stitches to close the opening in the gum line. After the procedure, patients may experience pain and swelling around the affected area. Our dentist will prescribe pain medication to alleviate this discomfort. Additionally, they may recommend a special mouthwash or saltwater rinse to keep the area clean and promote faster healing.
Relief from Pain and Discomfort
Extracting a severely decayed or damaged tooth can alleviate chronic pain and discomfort. Teeth that are affected by extensive decay, infection, or trauma can cause persistent toothaches and sensitivity. Removing the problematic tooth eliminates the source of pain, providing immediate relief.
Resolution of Infections
In cases of severe tooth decay or dental infections, extraction may be necessary to prevent the spread of disease. If a tooth infection is not removed or otherwise treated, it can lead to abscess formation, which can be painful and potentially cause systemic health complications. Extracting the infected tooth can help prevent the infection from spreading to nearby teeth or affecting other body areas.
After a dental extraction, we must follow postoperative care instructions provided by our dentist to promote healing and minimize any potential complications. For the best dental care tailored to your unique needs, visit Cortez Dental at 43 W. Montezuma Ave., Cortez, CO 81321, or call (970) 565-9569.