Learn All About Why Getting A Tooth Removed Can Boost Your Dental Health

OFTEN, TOOTH EXTRACTION IS THE FIRST STEP TOWARD OBTAINING YOUR NEW, SEXIER SMILE
Years ago, when you were a child, pulling a tooth was a sure sign of a visit from the tooth fairy. Unfortunately, once you got all your adult teeth, it became much less enjoyable. There are numerous reasons why you may need a tooth extraction to improve your dental health, like a tooth that hasn't erupted, to stop overcrowding, or an infected tooth. While a tooth extraction might not be a good time, it's not as frightening or uncomfortable as it once was. Using current methods and many sedation choices, MINT dentistry in East Houston makes tooth extractions a little easier if you need one. Our dental staff in Houston, TX will carefully examine the tooth or teeth before saying you need an extraction. If a tooth has to be pulled, our staff strives to ensure you stay relaxed from beginning to end. Keep reading to learn about the two methods of dental extractions and common reasons why a tooth may have to be removed.

TECHNIQUES USED FOR DENTAL EXTRACTIONS
There are a number of reasons that a tooth might need to be extracted. First, your team at MINT dentistry in East Houston will figure out the cause of your dental problem. Then, they will be able to decide which type of tooth extraction best suits your case. Most tooth extractions fit into two main categories:

• SIMPLE EXTRACTION
  Your dental care provider will do a simple extraction if the crown of the tooth can be seen above the gumline. The tooth can be loosened with a dental tool called an elevator before the tooth and root are taken out of the jawbone and gum tissue. This technique is typically selected when a tooth is severely infected, extremely decayed, or irreparable, or to help with overcrowding.
• SURGICAL EXTRACTION
  An extraction surgery will be conducted when the tooth hasn't fully erupted through the gumline. This means that an incision is needed to access the tooth under the tissue. If necessary, the tooth could be cut into multiple pieces for an easier removal. This method is generally used to pull the back molars or an impacted tooth.

ROUTINE REASONS YOU MIGHT BE REQUIRED TO GET A TOOTH EXTRACTED
Many types of oral problems may result in the need for a tooth extraction. One of the top reasons patients in Houston, TX will get a dental extraction is to prevent an impacted tooth. Here are some of the other routine reasons you might need a dental extraction:

• OVERCROWDING OF THE TEETH
  In many cases, one or more teeth may have to be taken out to prepare for an orthodontic treatment such as Invisalign or classic braces. An orthodontic treatment is done to gently push the teeth into their correct alignment, which might require pulling one or multiple teeth if there is overcrowding so the others can fit. Overcrowded teeth are typically addressed with a simple extraction.
• EXTREME DECAY
  If a dental cavity is ignored or not treated appropriately, it may extend into the pulp inside the tooth. Although a root canal may potentially be used to save the tooth, it might have to be taken out if the damage is bad enough to undermine the tooth's structure. A simple extraction may prevent the decay and infection from moving into other teeth, the gums, jaw, and, finally, your circulatory system.
• DAMAGE TO THE TOOTH
  Sadly, mishaps can happen to us all, and, occasionally, our teeth could incur trauma. While the first choice is generally to try to save the tooth, it isn't always possible. The trauma could be due to a car collision or even a sports or on-the-job accident, but whatever the reason, anyone in Houston, TX really need to arrange a visit with a dentist if they've experienced a mouth injury. It's possible that the injury isn't noticeable right away.
• MOLARS
  Many patients' back molars, commonly referred to as the wisdom teeth, will, in all likelihood, have to be pulled. The modern human jaw normally isn't big enough fit these additional teeth, so if they begin to push through the gum tissue (typically during ages 15 – 22), your dentist could suggest a surgical extraction. It's best to have the third molars removed as soon as possible, before they get infected or impacted. However, some people never need to get their wisdom teeth pulled out. It's uncommon, but some lucky patients don't develop all four wisdom teeth or any at all!
• TEETH THAT HAVEN'T ERUPTED
  When you have an impacted tooth, it signals that there is some kind of blockage keeping the tooth from growing out of the gumline. An impacted tooth could be blocked by a primary tooth that hasn't come out on its own, or it may be growing in the wrong direction and is obstructed by another permanent tooth. Depending on the cause of the impaction, the dentist can recommend a surgical or simple extraction to reduce discomfort or keep you from getting an infection.

HEALING PROCESS FOR HAVING A TOOTH REMOVED
After a dental extraction, it's critical to understand and carefully follow your dentist’s post-procedure directions. A simple extraction will normally need less recovery time compared to a surgical extraction, but it will depend on each case. You could be prescribed antibiotics to hold off infection, as well as a pain medication. You may opt to go on a liquid diet for the immediate few days after the extraction, while the area is sore and recovering. This is a good opportunity to eat some ice cream, but you should also make soup, etc., to get more vitamin-rich foods. You should avoid consuming any tobacco products, prior to and after your treatment, as they may reduce your ability to heal properly. Your dentist may tell you to use an antibiotic mouthwash until you are able to start brushing and flossing again.

THE ROAD TO A HEALTHIER, MORE ATTRACTIVE SMILE MIGHT INCLUDE A DENTAL EXTRACTION
A tooth extraction could be done for several reasons, including to stop decay from affecting other teeth, to resolve an impaction, or simply to give your remaining teeth additional space. Treating all of these issues at MINT dentistry in East Houston is key to finally having your sexiest smile. Visit our practice in Houston, TX to arrange a consultation with our experienced staff to determine if a simple or surgical extraction could be the best choice for your future smile.