Tooth Extraction and Oral Health: Long-Term Implications

Tooth extraction can relieve pain and discomfort, remove immediate threats to oral health, and open the door to more functional tooth replacements. While we strive to preserve your natural teeth for as long as possible, sometimes extractions are necessary. With the help of a general dentist, learn why there is no need to fear having a tooth pulled.

When do you need a tooth extraction?

Tooth extraction is usually required to treat a tooth that is completely rotted within the arch. It is used as a last effort to restore the oral cavity's overall health. Of course, in some situations, tooth extraction is also recommended for those who do not have enough space in their mouth for the tooth. While this may be surprising, it is common for individuals with small oral cavities.

It may also be necessary for broken teeth that have broken through the pulp chamber or roots. Both cases are typically seen as unsalvageable.

How dentists pull teeth

An extraction may be performed using one of two procedures. The first is a simple extraction, in which the general dentist numbs the gums with a local anesthetic and gently loosens the tooth before pulling it clean from the socket. Per Healthline, dentists employ this procedure when the tooth is mostly visible and intact.

If the tooth is not intact or is mostly buried below the gum line, the dentist will recommend a surgical extraction. This extraction involves cutting into the gum line and removing the tooth in pieces. The dentist may also need to remove some of the bone around the tooth.

Oral health immediately after tooth extraction

Once the tooth extraction is complete, the area may feel sore for a few days. The general dentist can prescribe pain medication or recommend over-the-counter painkillers for this time. Most patients feel much better once this initial pain subsides due to the healing phase commencing and the previous pain subsiding.

Replacing the tooth for long-term oral health

Tooth extraction and replacement go hand in hand. Together, they give patients a fully restored, pain-free smile. Patients will not have to worry about their remaining teeth shifting into the space left by an extracted tooth or difficulty chewing or speaking. The most common tooth replacements after extraction are as follows:

• Dental implant: A titanium post topped with a dental crown to create a tooth replacement that keeps the jawbone in good condition.
• Dental bridge: A false tooth supported by crowns or metal wings on the surrounding teeth.
• Flipper tooth: A removable retainer that can replace one or more missing teeth.

A general dentist can discuss these options in greater detail and help patients choose the right one for their oral health. For instance, patients who want a more permanent, natural-feeling false tooth may opt for an implant, while those looking for a removable option are happier with flipper teeth or partial dentures.