Your dentist walks in and tells you that you need a tooth extraction. All the color drains from your face, your heart starts pumping, and you’re starting to feel sweaty.
For a lot of us, the idea of receiving a tooth extraction can be rather scary. But that’s all because of those horror stories that people post online and tell one another. This procedure isn’t painful and is very common. Every dentist is completely qualified to perform it and you’ll be in good hands the entire time.
If you’re interested in learning more about tooth extractions in North London, get in touch with our local dental practice.
Tooth Extractions Explained
To help you understand this treatment better, we’ve compiled a list of everything you should know before making a decision.
What does a tooth extraction entail?
A tooth extraction is exactly what it sounds like: it’s the process of removing a damaged tooth to improve your overall oral health.
When are tooth extractions necessary?
Your dentist in London can recommend this procedure for an array of reasons such as the following:
• Severe tooth decay.
• Periodontal (gum) disease.
• Your tooth is impacting the growth of another.
• Overcrowding.
• You’ve experienced oral trauma.
• You have a chipped, cracked, or weakened tooth.
If you’re unsure whether you need a tooth extraction, talk to a dentist near you today. They’ll be able to identify the degree of care you require and let you know if you’re an ideal candidate for this process.
What are the two types of tooth extractions?
Simple and surgical.
Extracting a tooth that’s fully erupted above your gum line is referred to as a simple extraction since it’s minimally invasive and no surgery is required.
In comparison, a surgical extraction, also known as a complex extraction, is performed on a tooth that’s only partially erupted or not at all. Wisdom teeth removal is the most well-known form of this treatment.
What does the process of receiving an extraction look like?
First, you’ll need to book a consultation with your dentist in North London. This one-on-one session is done so that your dentist can understand the extent of damage that you’re dealing with as well as determine whether you’re an ideal candidate for this particular treatment. They’re able to do this by performing a comprehensive physical evaluation of your teeth and gums and taking x-rays.
If you’ve been given the go-ahead, you’ll then be given local anesthesia to keep you calm and free of pain.
In terms of simple extractions, your dentist will clean your mouth and then use a pair of dental forceps to loosen your tooth from its socket. Once this occurs, it’ll be fully extracted. Lastly, the site will be stitched up.
Complex extractions take a bit more time. An incision will be made into your gums so that your dentist can access your tooth. Any gum tissue, decay, or bone debris will be cleared away. Then your tooth is loosened before being pulled out. Your mouth will be stitched up too.
If you have any questions or concerns, or you require more care to be comfortable, don’t hesitate to let your dental team know.
What are the benefits of a tooth extraction?
Several advantages come with undergoing this procedure, such as the following:
• It’ll eliminate your oral pain.
• It’ll help preserve the health of the rest of your teeth. Removing your decayed tooth stops the infection from spreading.
• Creates more space in your mouth. This is especially great if you’re intending to receive orthodontic work in the future.
• It will improve the functionality of your smile. You’ll be able to eat, talk, and laugh without worry.
• Your overall oral health will improve.
What should I do after a tooth extraction?
You need to allow yourself a bit of time to heal following your procedure. Eating soft foods like yogurt, ice cream, mashed potatoes, and soup will help you heal quicker. You might experience a bit of bleeding, but this is normal. Gently bite down on gauze until it stops. Don’t use a straw, as this can dislodge any blood clots, and sleep with your head elevated.
At Wharncliffe Family Dental, we offer tooth extractions near you. Our staff is here to aid you on your dental journey and will make sure you’re taken care of each step of the way. Call, go to our website, or stop by our dental practice today to schedule an appointment.