When Should You Remove a Tooth?

When should you remove a tooth? If you feel unbearable pain in your teeth, sometimes removing them may be the only solution. Pulling teeth can be quite a complicated procedure sometimes and requires professional assistance. If you’re wondering what tooth extraction is and why you may need it, continue reading this piece to learn more about it.

When Does Removing a Tooth Become Necessary?

While everybody wants to save their teeth, there are situations when it is almost impossible. Common reasons for teeth removal include crowding, disease, and trauma. When dentists cannot repair the tooth with the help of a filling or crown, removing it may be the best way to move forward. Teeth that don’t get sufficient support from the bone due to issues like periodontal disease often need to be extracted.

Orthodontists also suggest tooth removal when someone has overly crowded teeth. Similarly, dentists usually suggest extracting wisdom teeth as they don’t have enough room for settling in the mouth and coming out normally as your other teeth do.

When Should You Remove a Tooth?
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Difference between Surgical Tooth Removal and Simple Tooth Removal

Suppose a dentist can easily remove teeth with the help of forceps. In that case, you will only need to undergo a simple tooth removal procedure called a simple extraction. However, if the dentist has no other option but to remove bone or gum tissue for extracting your tooth, there is a high likelihood that you will need a surgical tooth removal.

Orthodontists usually prescribe their patients pain medications to help them recover while ensuring minimal discomfort.

Common Reasons Why People Need to Remove a Tooth

Dentists usually examine your teeth through x-rays to determine if you will need a surgical or simple extraction. In some cases, a simple extraction may require you to undergo surgery. For instance, if your tooth chips or breaks, your dentists may need extensive surgery.

Here are some other reasons why people may need to get their teeth removed:

If a molar or tooth breaks at the gum line
Removing teeth or root tips with lengthy and curved roots
Removing impacted wisdom teeth

What to Do Post Extraction

After the dentist removes your teeth, you will likely need to care for your stitches. Whether you need surgical or simple extraction, following your dental expert’s care instructions is vital. Doing so will help you recover quickly and steer clear of complications.

Here are a few things your dentist may recommend after the teeth removal procedure:

You may be asked to avoid drinking, eating, or talking too much for 2 hours after the procedure unless necessary.
Your dentist may ask you to avoid spitting, smoking, or using straws when recovering from teeth extraction.
Tooth removal can leave your gums and the rest of your teeth vulnerable, so you may need to consume only soft foods and liquids for a few days after the procedure.
Avoid brushing or rinsing your teeth after the extraction for about six to twelve hours. Some dentists suggest their patients use warm salt water or prescription mouthwash for rinsing.

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