Can You Benefit From A Tooth Extraction?

In this guide from Glow Dental in NYC, we’ll explain how, in certain cases, a tooth extraction procedure can be beneficial to dental health.

What Is A Tooth Extraction?

A tooth extraction is a dental procedure in which a trained professional carefully and completely removes a targeted tooth from its socket. Tooth extractions are one of the most common dental procedures performed. Informally, the process is called “pulling” a tooth.

In What Situations Would I Benefit From A Tooth Extraction?

While dentists prefer to save natural teeth whenever possible, sometimes, a tooth is damaged beyond restorative measures such as dental fillings or dental crowns. In these cases, tooth extractions can prevent other more serious health issues. Your healthcare provider may recommend a tooth extraction under the following circumstances:

If due to overcrowding, there is not enough space in your mouth to comfortably or healthily accommodate all of your teeth. Overcrowding can make teeth difficult to clean, which results in issues with tooth decay, gum disease, and more.
When your teeth are impacted because the growth of one tooth pushes directly against another tooth. Teeth that are impacted are susceptible to infection and bleeding gums. It can escalate to the point where there is swelling and people experience discomfort when moving their jaw.
When baby teeth have not yet fallen out naturally before your permanent teeth start erupting.
When a patient is getting braces to rehabilitate their bite, teeth may need to be extracted to make room for other teeth to move into their correct positions.
When incoming wisdom teeth would crowd your other teeth or jaw, or other such conditions in which they do not erupt in a normal or healthy manner.

How Can I Prepare For My Tooth Extraction?

If your dentist recommends a tooth extraction, you should feel comfortable asking them any questions or concerns you have about the process, and what to expect for the after-care process. Here are some general guidelines so you have a sense of what to expect:

1. Before your dental extraction, your dentist will use local anesthesia to numb the damaged or infected tooth and the surrounding gum tissue so that you can be comfortable during the process.

2. After the local anesthesia has been administered, your dentist will use specialized tools to loosen the targeted tooth and take it out of its socket. In some circumstances, the dentist may need to make an incision in the gums to access the tooth. This may be the case in the event of decay, or if the tooth is broken off at the gum line.

3. After the tooth is removed, the empty socket is cleaned and disinfected.

4. Depending on your specific situation and health needs, your dentist may place a dental bone graft into the socket to prevent bone loss in your jaw.

5. Your dentist may stitch the wound so that it can heal with a reduced risk of infection.

6. When the extraction is complete, your dentist will place gauze over the extraction site and ask you to bite down. The pressure will help slow the bleeding and promote clotting so that the extraction site can heal. Light bleeding for the next 24 hours is normal and can be expected.

If you are seeking a dentist for an exam, tooth extraction, or dental implant in the New York City area, look no further than Glow Dental. Glow Dental is proud to offer complete transparency and compassion, as well as comfort–through amenities such as Netflix in your chair. For your family, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry needs, look no further than Glow Dental. Call 212-697-8620 today.