What Is A Tooth Extraction and Why Would You Need One?
Many people have heard the term "pulling out a tooth." Yes, it could sometimes be like that, but a dental extraction is where we delicately remove a tooth. People often think it takes a lot of force or that you have to yank it. In reality, the best doctors and surgeons are very delicate and meticulously loosen the tooth, allowing it to be removed without force.
Why would someone have to have a tooth pulled?
Many have nightmares of losing their teeth and don't fully understand why these may be required. There are a variety of reasons. The most common reason is gum disease, which is the number one reason people have to get a tooth taken out.
Another reason would be if someone's tooth broke or they had a cavity that went too deep and couldn't be saved anymore. Often, we have patients with significant crowding, and if we're trying to straighten their teeth with orthodontics, we might have to remove some teeth because of that crowding.
The most common teeth that are often removed are wisdom teeth, as we often lack space for them. They can come in at odd angles and can damage other teeth. Sometimes we remove them due to pain or infection. We also remove teeth for hygiene reasons if there isn't enough space, creating a hygiene problem.
What are the different types of tooth extractions?
There are many different types. A simple extraction is straightforward, where the extraction is not too complex, allowing us to remove the tooth easily. A surgical extraction requires a drill or tool to loosen or break the tooth into smaller pieces for easier removal. Impacted extractions involve a tooth not fully out of the gum. If a tooth is just covered by gum, it's a soft tissue impaction. If covered by gum and some bone, it's a bony impaction. Another type is when a part of the tooth gets left behind and we have to remove that remaining piece.
What factors are considered when recommending a tooth extraction?
When recommending an extraction, we consider many factors. Our goal as dentists is to save teeth, not just pull them. We evaluate the long-term survival and prognosis of the tooth. We consider if it's worth saving or should be pulled.
Financial reasons often influence decisions, but I encourage patients not to let finances dictate their health. Pulling a tooth might solve a problem at the moment but can create more expensive future problems. We assess if the tooth can be saved long-term; if not, we pull it.
When would a dentist recommend removing a wisdom tooth?
The most common type of tooth extraction is for wisdom teeth. A dentist would recommend removing them if there's not enough space for them to come in and they start impacting the teeth in front.
Our goal is for you not to lose any teeth. If a wisdom tooth comes in at an angle that could cause the loss of the tooth in front, we need to remove it. Sometimes wisdom teeth come in halfway, with gum covering part of the tooth, leading to infection.
We also remove wisdom teeth if they become hard to clean and start to decay. If we see disease forming around wisdom teeth, we often recommend removal.
How important are wisdom teeth to dental function?
People often like the idea of having all their teeth, which is great if they're healthy. However, wisdom teeth often become diseased over a lifetime. Studies show wisdom teeth perform less than 1% of the actual function in your mouth.
So, we decide to remove them if they're diseased and damaging other teeth that perform the remaining 99% of the function. If wisdom teeth are not diseased and are fully healthy, I won't recommend removing them just for the sake of it. If you can maintain them and keep them healthy, we want to keep those teeth.
Why are tooth extractions less common during orthodontic treatment now?
In the past, it was common to extract teeth during orthodontic treatment. Nowadays, we try to avoid extracting teeth if possible. Extracting wisdom teeth can sometimes make a person's jaw smaller, which affects the space for the tongue, potentially blocking the airway and causing sleep apnea issues.
We aim to prevent extractions for orthodontics unless necessary. If someone has adequate space for the tongue and their jaws are normal-sized but still has too much crowding, we may extract teeth to create enough space for the remaining teeth. Many factors must be considered, and we don't extract teeth without careful evaluation.
Are tooth extractions really advisable at any age?
There's no age requirement for an extraction. If a tooth needs to come out, it should. Sometimes, in children, a permanent tooth comes in at a different angle than the baby tooth, causing double teeth. We remove the baby tooth to allow normal eruption of the adult tooth. Baby teeth can also get cavities and become decayed, potentially affecting the developing permanent tooth. We may pull a baby tooth if needed. Some children are too afraid to pull their own baby tooth, and we can help make the process comfortable for them.
When does tooth extraction become necessary in the presence of gum disease?
Tooth extraction becomes necessary when there's severe bone loss around the teeth, causing them to be very loose. At this point, there's usually significant bone destruction and abscesses in the gums, causing discomfort and pain. Unfortunately, when this happens, there's nothing that can be done to save the teeth, and they must be pulled.
Are all tooth extractions considered oral surgery?
It's a common misconception that all tooth extractions are considered oral surgery. Technically, it's a surgical procedure in the mouth, but people often think oral surgeries are only for oral surgeons. As dentists, we are trained to remove teeth, not just oral surgeons.
Oral surgeons handle major procedures like facial reconstructions. Tooth extractions are a form of oral surgery but on a smaller scale and can often be handled by a general dentist, especially an advanced general dentist like me.
What is the difference between a simple tooth extraction and surgical tooth extraction?
A simple extraction involves removing the tooth whole without drilling or chiseling.
A surgical extraction is necessary when the tooth won't come out on its own, or the tooth is broken with roots that are hard to grasp. We use a drill to make the tooth smaller, allowing us to remove it delicately. Surgical extraction involves drilling, while a simple extraction does not.
Where do you go for emergency tooth extraction?
If you're facing a dental emergency, like a horrible toothache or a broken tooth, where do you go for an emergency tooth extraction? As an advanced general dentist trained in advanced surgeries, including emergencies, you can call my office at (210) 972-0768. We are ranked number one in San Antonio for dental emergencies, as we can get you in quickly and resolve your problem promptly.
How long do tooth extractions take?
People often dread tooth extractions due to past experiences or because it's new to them. A common question is, "How long is this going to take?" Because of my skill set, I can often remove teeth in literal seconds. It's not uncommon for me to extract all four wisdom teeth in less than five minutes. Even with the greatest difficulty, it might take 10 to 15 minutes. Tooth extractions don't have to take long. A faster extraction means less trauma, leading to a better recovery.
Do I need to replace a removed tooth?
Depending on its location, sometimes we do. Wisdom teeth usually don't need to be replaced. The best replacement for a missing tooth is a dental implant, as it acts like a natural tooth, is strong, and has the potential to last a lifetime. Other dental treatments may need to be redone eventually, but implants can last a lifetime, making them the best option.
Do I have to be awake for a tooth extraction?
Even though tooth extractions in my hands are not a horrible process and are very delicate, it's still a scary experience. Patients wonder if they have to endure it. In my practice, we offer comfort options like sedation, allowing you to sleep through the extraction without feeling anything. You won't have to face any discomfort, making the process as comfortable as possible.
What is the follow-up care after a tooth extraction?
After a tooth is taken out, follow-up care is important. You might need an antibiotic or special mouth rinse while recovering, as toothbrushing around the extraction area can be difficult. The area can be sore, and you don't want to open anything or cause bleeding. We rely on antimicrobial mouth rinses to keep the area clean. Please brush your teeth, but be delicate near the extraction area, using mouth rinses or warm salt water.
What are LPRF and stem cells in tooth extraction?
Often, we've been instructed not to use straws, spit, or rinse after a tooth extraction. In my practice, we use a process called LPRF, which involves harvesting some of your blood, separating the stem cells, and placing them where the tooth was. This speeds up healing, forming a scab in two and a half minutes.
You can rinse, use a straw, or spit shortly after, as bleeding stops quickly. This practice is not unique to our office, but not all offices offer it. It ensures comfort and prevents complications, making recovery smoother.
What is dry socket?
A dry socket occurs when the bone and nerves are exposed after tooth removal, causing excruciating pain. I know this because I experienced dry sockets with my wisdom teeth. It delays healing by two weeks.
However, with stem cells, it's impossible to get a dry socket in my practice, as a scab forms immediately, preventing bone exposure. Dry sockets are self-induced, often due to rinsing or spitting without stem cells.
How do I schedule a consultation for a tooth extraction?
No one wants a tooth extraction, and many avoid it until absolutely necessary. However, if a tooth needs to come out, it should be removed as soon as possible to prevent infection. A tooth that needs to come out can lead to serious health issues, as demonstrated by a patient who delayed extraction and ended up needing emergency brain surgery due to an abscess. It's safest to have a problematic tooth removed as soon as possible.
Tooth Extractions With Care and Comfort at Inspire Dental
If you have any doubts, concerns, or questions about whether a tooth should be removed, we would love to see you. We are here to help. Being rated number one for emergencies, we aim to get you in right away to resolve your problem immediately. Please call us and connect with our office as soon as possible.
If you’re searching for quality dental care, we’re here to help. Call (210) 972-0768 or email [email protected] to schedule your visit. Our team is committed to keeping your smile healthy.