Why Is a Tooth Extraction Necessary?

A tooth extraction involves removing a tooth from its socket in the jawbone. This can help resolve several issues, including tooth decay, infection, and crowding. At El Paseo Dental Care, once a tooth is removed, it can be replaced with an implant or bridge to restore full functionality and appearance. It is common for patients to experience some soreness and sensitivity following a tooth extraction. This is often managed with over-the-counter pain medications. Patients need to follow all aftercare instructions to ensure the proper healing process occurs. This includes avoiding eating hard foods, rinsing the mouth regularly with a saltwater solution, and avoiding smoking or using tobacco products. It is essential to always follow the dentist's advice after a tooth extraction to ensure a healthy smile.

Reason for Tooth Extraction

There are several reasons why a dentist might recommend removing a tooth instead of trying to save it. The most common is when the tooth is too severely damaged to be repaired with a filling or crown or if decay has progressed so far that it cannot be treated with a root canal. In both cases, extraction is necessary to prevent pain and further infection that could damage your jawbone and even spread to other body parts. Your dentist may recommend orthodontic treatment to correct this problem before extracting the problematic tooth.

Extraction is often recommended for wisdom teeth that are impacted, which can happen when there is insufficient room for them to erupt into proper alignment fully. Impacted teeth are prone to developing infections that lead to swelling of the jaw and face. These infections can result in pain, discomfort, headaches, and even damage to nearby teeth.

If a patient suffers from gum disease, the dentist may first recommend non-surgical treatments such as deep cleanings, scaling, and root planing. However, if these treatments are unsuccessful, the recommendation for extraction may be the next step. This is to help avoid more complicated and involved procedures in the future.

The Benefits of Tooth Extractions

Proper Oral Hygiene

Many people who have impacted teeth will need tooth extractions. Removing wisdom teeth can save people from having other related procedures such as dental implant placement, braces, and jaw surgery. If patients need a tooth extracted, we can provide all general dentistry services required to protect their oral health afterward. Understanding how to care for your teeth and gums after the procedure is essential to keep your smile healthy and prevent complications.

Better Dental Health

A tooth extraction can prevent future alignment problems, such as misaligned teeth or a bite that doesn’t fit together right. Teeth that are extracted no longer shift or curve within the mouth, which makes it easier to chew and eat food without discomfort. Patients often choose tooth removal to prevent further oral health issues. For example, if tooth decay reaches the root of the tooth and the root is not healthy enough to repair with a filling, the only option is extraction.

If you are nervous about the extraction process, contact El Paseo Dental Care at 583 Willow Street, San Jose, CA 95125, or call (408) 3700101 to consult with your dentist about your concerns to develop an appropriate treatment plan.