Nothing can be so excruciating as a toothache. It results in a painful and throbbing pain that is intolerable. What’s worse is that it also causes a terrible headache. The usual reaction each time a toothache strikes is to go to the dentist for a tooth extraction.
But before you decide on getting the procedure, take time to think for a moment. Permanent teeth once extracted are gone forever, unlike your baby teeth. Still, there are instances when it is necessary.
What is a tooth extraction?
A tooth extraction is a process wherein the dentist removes a tooth from the socket or dental alveolus. It doesn’t cause trauma to the surrounding tissues. A wisdom tooth extraction is the removal of the third molar tooth situated at the back of your mouth.
There are two types of tooth extraction, the simple extraction and surgical extraction. Your dentist performs a simple extraction if the damaged tooth is visible in the mouth. He performs a surgical extraction if the tooth isn’t accessible or visible. Dentists use digital X-rays and intra-oral cameras for tooth extraction in Markham Ontario.
Top five reasons why you need a tooth extraction
For a dentist, tooth and wisdom tooth extraction should only be the last resort. There are cases when a tooth can still be saved through fillings or root canal treatment. However, if all other possibilities are already exhausted then a tooth extraction is the solution.
These are the common reasons why a tooth extraction procedure is necessary:
1.Presence of deep and severe tooth decay.
The presence of deep decay damages your tooth and infects the pulp. Your dentist or oral surgeon may suggest for a root canal treatment. But, if there is severe infection then tooth extraction is the answer.
2.Impacted molars.
There are instances when the gums do not erupt. This prevents the tooth from coming out. It usually happens to molars or wisdom teeth.
3.Loosened tooth due to periodontal disease.
Gum disease or periodontitis causes deep pockets around the teeth and gum recession. Your dentist performs an extraction if a tooth doesn’t have enough gum tissue to hold it.
4.Teeth overcrowding.
Overcrowded teeth affects your smile and your dentist extracts a tooth to correct it. Some dentists suggest the use of orthodontics for moderate cases of overcrowded teeth.
5.Fractured teeth.
Your teeth are made of bone-like tissue and the hardest substance of the body. However, it also becomes fractured.The molars are more prone to fractures since it is used for chewing. If a molar tooth gets fractured below the gum line, your dentist performs a wisdom tooth extraction to solve the problem.
Important tips to follow after tooth extraction
Finally, you’re relieved of the toothache! It also stops further infection and damage to your remaining natural teeth. Now, you need to be extra careful in following these tips to avoid complications. Here’s what you should do after the extraction procedure:
- Place an ice pack on the side of your face near the area.
Placing an ice pack will reduce swelling on the area. Put it for an interval of 15 minutes for the next one to two hours after the extraction.
- Bite down on a piece of gauze.
Your dentist will give you a piece of gauze to bite on after the extraction. It will put pressure on the area and stop the bleeding. Change the gauze at least every 30 minutes and do this for at least an hour or so. If the area doesn’t stop bleeding even after an hour put a wet tea bag on the area for the blood to clot.
- Have ample rest.
Avoid any physical activity or strenuous exercise after your tooth extraction. Get ample rest and elevate your head in an upright position.
- Avoid eating crunchy, hard or sticky food.
Don’t eat these food after a tooth extraction as it may irritate the area.
- Don’t use a straw for drinking.
Avoid drinking with a straw for the time being as it means you have to suck which loosens the blood clots.
- Rinse mouth with salt water solution after a wisdom tooth extraction.
Rinse your mouth with salt water to sanitize the area and do so with gentle strokes.
The cost for a tooth extraction ranges from $50 CAD to $900 CAD and this depends on the complexity of the procedure. Surgical extractions usually cost more than simple extractions. Meanwhile, wisdom teeth removal cost starts at $75 CAD.
You don’t have to bear the toothache and wait until it worsens before you act on it. Remember that tooth extraction is not the only solution but it is sometimes necessary. Talk to your dentist to learn more about this procedure.
