A general dentist will typically only recommend pulling a tooth when absolutely necessary. This procedure, also known as tooth extraction, is reserved for teeth that have been decayed or damaged beyond repair. Not only does this prevent a problem tooth from starting a domino effect of oral health issues, but it also brings several other benefits.
During a tooth extraction, a general dentist cleanly removes the problem tooth from the socket. This process involves numbing the area with a local anesthetic and carefully loosening the tooth to lift it out. If the tooth is not intact, such as with fractured teeth, the dentist may need to cut into the gums to complete the extraction. Next, they will disinfect, stitch, and dress the area with gauze.
Preserving as much of the natural tooth as possible is always recommended. Therefore, a general dentist will only perform a tooth extraction if there is no way to save the tooth, such as with dental crowns. This includes when the tooth has:
The goal is to prevent these issues from causing others. Take a cracked tooth, for example. A crack that extends into the root of the tooth (the pulp) leaves it prone to tooth decay and infection. Pulling it eliminates this risk.
There are many advantages to having a tooth pulled. Here are some of the most notable.
Severe tooth decay and damage typically cause pain and discomfort. This sensation can be uncomfortable whether it occurs while only chewing food or remains constant throughout the day. Tooth extraction removes the cause of the pain, and once healed, the pain should disappear.
As mentioned, a key benefit of tooth extraction is that it protects the patient from developing additional oral health conditions as a result of the problem tooth. Teeth the dentist has to pull are likely to worsen if left in the mouth. Cracks or chips may deepen; decay could give way to infection. They may also cause conditions like gum disease.
If left in place, a problem tooth could damage the teeth around it. The bacteria eating away at a severely decayed tooth may spread to the surrounding teeth, creating cavities that the dentist will need to repair with dental fillings. There is a heightened risk of spreading infection if the decay has reached the tooth’s pulp.
Hearing that you need a tooth pulled can lead to worries about having a gap in one’s smile. However, a general dentist can provide various options for tooth replacement following extraction. These dental restorations, such as dental implants or bridges, can restore the smile to how it was before the problem tooth became a problem.
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Sometimes, you need to sacrifice a tooth to save the rest. Learn how tooth extraction may benefit your oral health in the long run. Call our Bellaire office for an appointment with a general dentist.
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