Your dentist will always do their best to save a tooth using a bridge, crown, or even performing a root canal, but did you know that at times a tooth extraction may be good for your smile?
Extraction of a severely damaged or decayed tooth may be necessary to prevent the spread of infection. Delaying a recommended tooth extraction could harm your smile over time.
Once a tooth has been extracted, your dentist will discuss your options for replacement and restoring your smile.
What conditions require a tooth extraction?
- Advanced infection of the dental pulp
- A tooth broken off below the gum line
- Severe periodontitis
- Impacted wisdom tooth
- Overcrowding
How does the dentist remove the tooth?
Your dentist will numb the area with a local anaesthetic and using forceps will wiggle the tooth loose, gently pulling it out.
If you experience dental anxiety, you can request sedation dentistry which will help you feel at ease throughout the extraction.
What is a complex extraction?
If you have an impacted wisdom tooth or a tooth broken off below the gum line, your dentist will make a tiny, surgical incision in your gums to remove the tooth in sections.
Once the tooth is removed, your dentist will suture the incision closed, and you will be given post-operative instructions to help manage any swelling or discomfort.
Will it hurt?
You may experience minor discomfort once the anaesthetic wears off. If you do, over-the-counter medications will help relieve this.
Avoid dislodging the blood clot that will form during the healing process. If you expose the bone underneath, you can risk an infection and experience a condition called dry socket.
Don’t smoke, drink through a straw, or spit for the first few days to allow the blood clot to protect the area.
Missing Teeth
At The Cosmetic Dental Gallery, we offer several missing teeth replacement solutions for your unique smile and lifestyle.
Why should I replace a missing tooth?
In addition to the aesthetics of having a gap in your smile, missing teeth can cause various problems, including:
- Loosening and instability of neighbouring teeth
- Bone resorption
- Gum disease
- Problems with speaking and chewing
- Joint pain
- Misalignment of your remaining teeth
Why do patients lose teeth?
- Traumatic injury to the jaw or mouth
- Tooth decay
- Severe gum disease
- Genetic factors
- Illness
What are some of my options to replace a missing tooth?
A consultative appointment with your dentist will assist you in determining the best option for your particular case.
- Dental Bridge: solves the aesthetic problem of a missing tooth while restoring the function and enables you to chew and speak properly
- Dentures and partials: these removable artificial teeth can be used if several or an entire arch of teeth are missing.
- Dental implants: are designed to act as a stand-alone tooth replacement that includes replacing the missing root.
For more information regarding this treatment
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