The Truth About How Getting A Tooth Pulled Can Improve Your Dental Health

SOMETIMES, TOOTH EXTRACTION IS STEP ONE OF FLAUNTING YOUR NEW, SEXIER SMILE
Years ago, when you were still very young, pulling a tooth was a sure sign of a visit from the tooth fairy. However, as soon as you got all your adult teeth, it became significantly less fun. There are plenty of reasons that you might have a tooth extraction to improve your oral health, like a tooth that hasn't erupted, to prevent overcrowding, or an injured tooth. While a tooth extraction might not seem like a good time, it's not as intimidating or uncomfortable as it once was. Using contemporary techniques and several sedation options, MINT dentistry in Cedar Hill makes tooth extractions a little easier in case you require one. Our dental team in Cedar Hill, TX will thoroughly examine the affected area before recommending an extraction. When a tooth has to be removed, our staff works hard to make sure you stay relaxed from start to finish. Read on to find out about the two techniques of dental extractions and the leading reasons why a tooth or teeth may have to be extracted.

TECHNIQUES USED FOR DENTAL EXTRACTIONS
There are a number of reasons why a tooth might need to get pulled. To begin, the team at MINT dentistry in Cedar Hill will establish the reason for your dental problem. Then, they will be able to choose which type of tooth extraction best fits your case. Most tooth extractions fall into two basic categories:

• SURGICAL EXTRACTION
  A surgical extraction will be used if the tooth hasn't completely grown through the gums. Therefore, an incision is necessary to access the tooth inside the tissue. If needed, the tooth may be cut into many pieces for a smoother extraction. A surgical extraction is typically chosen to pull the back molars or a tooth that hasn't erupted.
• SIMPLE EXTRACTION
  Your dental care provider will perform a simple extraction if the crown of the tooth can be seen above the gums. The tooth is often loosened using a tool known as an elevator, and then the tooth and root are taken out of the jawbone and gums. A simple extraction is typically selected when a tooth is badly infected, very decayed, or not able to be saved, or to address overcrowded teeth.

TYPICAL REASONS YOU MIGHT HAVE TO HAVE A TOOTH REMOVED
Numerous types of tooth issues could result in the need for a tooth extraction. Among the leading reasons people in Cedar Hill, TX will have a dental extraction is to avoid impaction. Here are many of the additional standard reasons you might require a tooth extraction:

• EXCESSIVE CAVITIES
  If a cavity is ignored or not addressed in time, it can extend into the pulp within the tooth. Even though a root canal might possibly be conducted to preserve the tooth, it might need to be extracted if the pitting is bad enough to compromise the tooth. A simple extraction may prevent the decay and infection from getting into your other teeth, the gum tissue, jawbone, and, finally, your bloodstream.
• TRAUMA TO THE TEETH
  Unfortunately, injuries can happen to anyone, and, occasionally, our teeth could be affected. While the first option is usually to make all efforts to preserve the tooth, it might not be possible. The injury might be a result of a car collision or even an athletic or on-the-job accident, but no matter the reason, people in Cedar Hill, TX really should plan a visit with a dental practitioner if they've experienced an oral injury. Sometimes, the damage isn't noticeable to a nonprofessional.
• OVERCROWDING OF THE TEETH
  Sometimes, one or more teeth might have to be taken out to prepare for an orthodontic treatment, for example, Invisalign or metal braces. These treatments are meant to gently push the teeth into the straightest alignment, which may mean removing one or more teeth if there is not enough room so the others can fit. Tooth overcrowding is usually addressed with a simple extraction.
• TEETH THAT HAVEN'T ERUPTED
  When you have tooth impaction, it indicates there is some type of obstruction preventing the tooth from pushing through the gum tissue. An impacted tooth may be stuck behind a baby tooth that still hasn't come out on its own, or it could be developing in an irregular direction and is obstructed by a neighboring permanent tooth. Depending upon the reason for the impaction, the dentist might perform a surgical or simple extraction to ease pain or avoid an infection.
• WISDOM TEETH
  Your third molars, also referred to as the wisdom teeth, will probably need to be removed. The human jaw normally isn't large enough to fit these additional teeth, so if they begin to erupt from the gum tissue (in most people, during the late teens to early twenties), your dentist could need to do a surgical extraction. It's crucial to get the wisdom teeth extracted as early as possible, before they become impacted or infected. However, some men and women never need to get their back molars taken out. It's uncommon, but some fortunate individuals don't develop all four wisdom teeth or any whatsoever!

RECOVERY TIME AFTER A DENTAL EXTRACTION
In the days after a dental extraction, it's crucial to pay attention to and diligently adhere to your dentist’s healing instructions. A simple extraction will normally need less recovery time compared to a surgical extraction; however, it will be different for every case. You may be prescribed antibiotics to hold off infection, as well as a pain reliever. You may want to go on a liquid diet for the first couple of days after the procedure, while your gums are still tender and recovering. This is a great chance to snack on a little ice cream, but you need to also make protein shakes, etc., to get more nutritious foods. You should stop consuming any tobacco products, both prior to and following your procedure, because they can impair your ability to heal properly. Your dentist might suggest using an antibiotic mouthwash until you can begin brushing and flossing again.

THE ROAD TO A BETTER, MORE APPROACHABLE SMILE MIGHT INVOLVE A DENTAL EXTRACTION
A dental extraction may be required for many reasons, such as to keep an infection from traveling throughout the body, to address an impaction, or just to provide your remaining teeth additional space. Taking care of all of these problems at MINT dentistry in Cedar Hill is important in achieving your healthiest, most alluring smile. Contact our office in Cedar Hill, TX to schedule an appointment with our knowledgeable staff to learn if a simple or surgical extraction could be the best solution for your dental health.