So oral health problems might be severe to a point they are not reversible through regular dental procedures. To prevent further complications, your dentist might recommend a tooth extraction. However, your dentist will recommend tooth removal as the last resort.

Some of the scenarios that tooth extraction might be suitable include:

• Dental trauma. If a tooth has an injury associated with the adjacent tissues, you might be at risk of other complications. To prevent complications associated with dental trauma, your dentist might recommend a tooth extraction procedure.
• Irreversible tooth disease. Excessive damage to your teeth due to decay or gum disease might render your tooth dead. In such a case, the dentist might recommend a dental crown. However, if the tooth is beyond repair, the dentist can recommend tooth removal.
• Crowded mouth. Sometimes teeth might erupt where there is no enough space to develop. In such a case, you might experience difficulties chewing and discomfort due to food stuck between your teeth. Therefore, the dentist might recommend a dental extraction to correct dental crowding.
• Tooth replacement. If you are getting a full denture, your dentist might recommend the removal of the remaining teeth. Removing the remaining teeth eliminates all the barriers to placing your dental prosthesis.
• Impacted teeth. Sometimes the last molars might fail to erupt out of the gums. If the impacted teeth are causing discomfort or increasing the risk of complications, the dentist might recommend tooth removal.

However, your dentist will try to save your tooth before considering dental extraction.

Tooth Extraction Procedure

Your dentist will develop a treatment plan depending on the nature of the tooth that requires extraction. For visible teeth, the dentist will carry out a simple tooth extraction. On the other hand, your dentist will carry out a surgical procedure to remove impacted wisdom teeth.

Therefore, your dentist will recommend a dental exam to identify the teeth that require extraction. If your tooth is damaged due to decay, the dentist might examine the adjacent teeth to ensure they are not damaged. After conducting a physical exam on your teeth, the dentist will design your treatment plan.

During the dental exam, you can inform your dentist about any underlying conditions to prevent complications during the tooth removal procedure. The dentist will then adjust your treatment plan to fit your dental needs.

Simple Tooth Extraction Procedure

Your dentist will recommend a simple tooth removal procedure to extract a visible tooth. During the tooth removal procedure, your dentist will recommend local anesthesia to prevent pain. After administering local anesthesia, your dentist will use an elevator to loosen the tooth.

Once the tooth is loose, the dentist will use forceps the tooth from the socket. Next, the dentist will remove any pieces of damaged teeth left in the socket.

Surgical Tooth Removal

If you have impacted teeth, the dentist will recommend surgery. Sometimes your dentist might refer you to an oral surgeon if you are at risk of developing complications. Depending on the number of teeth that require removal, your dentist might recommend local or general anesthesia.

Next, the dentist will make an incision through your gums and cut through your jaw to loosen the impacted teeth. The dentist will then cut the tooth into pieces and remove them one by one. Your dentist in Watsonville, CA, will then give you a gauze pad to bite down, prevent excessive blood loss.

Depending on the type of anesthesia you were under, your dentist might recommend you organize a ride home.

Recovery and Aftercare

After receiving a dental extraction in Watsonville, our dentist recommends the following tips for fast recovery:

• Avoid rinsing your mouth to prevent bleeding
• Apply a cold compress on the cheek to reduce swelling
• Use pain relievers that are recommended by the dentist
• Don’t use straws when drinking to avoid breaking the blood clot
• To prevent bleeding, your can bite down a gauze pad or a teabag
• Rinse your mouth with warm saline water 24 hours after the tooth extraction
• Brush your teeth regularly without reaching the socket to prevent irritation
• Contact a dentist near you if you experience complications after a tooth extraction

If you need a tooth extraction in Watsonville, you can visit our dentist at Watsonville Family Dentistry for services.