What Are Common Reasons for Tooth Removal?
While having a tooth removed isn’t anyone’s first choice, it is sometimes a necessary step for improving oral health. Today, our Perth dentist will talk about the most common reasons for tooth removal and explain why it can be the best option for keeping your mouth healthy.
Common Reasons for Tooth Removal
From severe tooth decay to overcrowding, there are several situations where removing a tooth may sometimes be the best course of action to prevent bigger problems in the future.
Severe Tooth Decay
If a tooth is severely decayed, the damage may sometimes be too severe to repair with fillings or crowns. In these situations, removing the tooth can be the best way to stop the decay from spreading and causing more serious problems.
Periodontal Disease
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, can cause teeth to become loose over time. It affects the gums and bones that support your teeth, and if it’s not treated early, tooth extraction may be needed to protect the nearby teeth and tissues.
Impacted Teeth
If teeth, especially wisdom teeth, get stuck in the gums and can’t come through properly, they’re considered impacted. This can lead to pain and pressure and even cause nearby teeth to become misaligned. Extracting wisdom teeth can ease discomfort and help avoid further dental issues.
Overcrowding
Sometimes, there isn’t enough space in your mouth for all your teeth to fit properly. Removing one or a few teeth can make room and help braces or other orthodontic treatments work more effectively.
Infection Risk
If a tooth is infected or at high risk of infection, the dentist may decide to remove it to prevent or stop the infection from spreading. In such cases, tooth removal may be especially important for people with weaker immune systems because infections can lead to serious health problems.
Dental Trauma
If a tooth is severely damaged due to an accident or injury and cannot be repaired, it may need to be removed. This can help relieve pain and make it easier to plan for treatments like implants or bridges in the future.
Preparation for Orthodontics
Sometimes, dentists need to remove teeth to prepare the mouth for orthodontic treatment. Removing one or some teeth creates enough space for the remaining teeth that are trying to move into the right position. This ensures the best possible results from orthodontic treatment.
Underlying Cysts or Tumours
If a cyst or tumour forms around the roots of a tooth in the jawbone, the tooth may need to be removed. Removing the tooth helps in treating the cyst or tumour and prevents damage to the surrounding teeth and jawbone.
Baby Teeth Not Falling Out
If a child’s baby teeth don’t fall out on their own to allow permanent teeth to grow in, they may need to be removed. This helps prevent complications like misalignment and overcrowding of the new teeth. It’s best to see a paediatric dentist in such cases since they’re experts in children’s dental care and can provide the best advice and treatment.
Radiation or Chemotherapy Preparation
If someone is about to start radiation or chemotherapy, especially in the head and neck area, they may need to have a few teeth removed. In these cases, tooth removal is done to reduce the risk of complications like infections, which can be more serious for cancer patients undergoing treatment.
Before the Tooth Removal: How to Prepare
Here are a few simple steps for you to follow before your tooth extraction procedure to help you be more prepared:
Eat a Light Meal: Eat something light a few hours before your appointment to avoid any discomfort or feeling nauseous during the procedure, especially if you’ll be having anaesthesia.
Avoid Alcohol and Smoking: Avoid drinking alcohol or smoking for at least 24 hours before your tooth extraction because they can affect the healing process and increase the risk of complications.
Discuss Your Medical History: Inform your dentist about any medications you’re taking or any health conditions you have. This information may affect how they plan your procedure.
Arrange a Ride Home: It’s a good idea to have someone drive you home after the procedure because you may feel groggy or dizzy from anaesthesia.
Wear Comfortable Clothing: Wear loose and comfortable clothing on the day of your procedure. This will help you feel relaxed and make it easier for the dentist to use any necessary monitors during the procedure.
What Happens During a Tooth Removal?
Here’s what you can expect from a tooth removal procedure:
Anaesthesia: The dentist will numb the area around your tooth with a local anaesthetic so you won’t feel any pain during the extraction. In some cases, dental sedation can also be used to help you stay calm and less nervous.
Loosening the Tooth: The dentist will use special tools to loosen the tooth by moving it back and forth until it’s ready to be removed.
Tooth Extraction: Once the tooth is loose, the dentist will carefully remove it from the gum socket.
Cleansing the Area: The dentist will carefully clean the extraction site to get rid of any leftover tooth or bone fragments.
Stitching and Gauze: In some cases, the dentist may use a few stitches to help with the healing process. They will also put a piece of gauze over the extraction site to control bleeding and allow a blood clot to form.
Aftercare Essentials
Here are a few important tips to help you heal quickly after tooth removal and avoid any complications.
Bite Down on Gauze: To help control the bleeding, bite down gently on the gauze pad for about 30 minutes after the tooth is removed.
Take Prescribed Pain Relief: Take any pain medication according to your dentist’s recommendation to help ease any discomfort once the anesthesia starts to wear off.
Apply Ice Packs: Place an ice pack on your cheek near the extraction area, 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off, to help reduce the swelling.
Eat Soft Foods: For the first few days, stick to soft foods like yogurt, soup, and applesauce. Avoid hot liquids and spicy foods, which can irritate the extraction site.
Keep the Area Clean: You can brush your teeth, but be careful to avoid the extraction site. Rinse your mouth with salt water after meals to keep the area clean.
Avoid Strenuous Activity: Rest and avoid any heavy activities for the first 24 hours to help prevent bleeding.
FAQs about Tooth Removal
How much will it hurt to have a tooth removed? Most people experience little to no pain during the extraction because the area is numbed with local anaesthesia. After the procedure, any discomfort can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers or sometimes medication prescribed by your dentist, depending on the complexity of the extraction.
What is the typical recovery time after a tooth is removed?
Recovery time can differ for everyone and depends on how complex the extraction was. Usually, it takes about one to two weeks for the gum to start healing, while the area may take a few months to fully recover.
Can I go to work after having a tooth removed? It’s best to rest for at least 24 hours after the extraction to allow the healing process to start. Avoid strenuous activities that could increase blood pressure and cause bleeding at the extraction site. Depending on your job, you might be able to return to work the next day; however, it’s best to consult with your dentist based on your specific case.
What should I eat after a tooth extraction? Stick to soft foods and liquids for the first few days. Foods like yogurt, pudding, soup, and smoothies are good choices. Avoid anything hard, sticky, or chewy to keep the extraction site clean and allow it to heal properly.
What are the signs of complications after a tooth removal? While complications are rare, you should be aware of signs that may indicate a problem:
1- Persistent or severe pain several days after the extraction
2- Ongoing bleeding that doesn’t stop with pressure
3- Swelling that worsens over time
4- Signs of infection, including fever, severe swelling, and pus from the extraction site.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is critical to contact an emergency dentist Perth immediately to prevent further complications.
How do I care for my mouth after the extraction? Keep the area clean by gently rinsing with salt water starting 24 hours after the surgery. Continue to brush your teeth carefully, avoiding the extraction site for a few days. Also, avoid smoking and using straws, as the suction can dislodge the blood clot that forms in the socket.
When to See a Dentist: Signs You Might Need a Tooth Removal
Recognising the signs that you might need a tooth removed can help you avoid pain and other health problems. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to book an appointment with your dentist.
Persistent Pain: If you have persistent pain in your tooth or jaw, you need to see your dentist as soon as possible. Ongoing pain could be a sign of deep decay or an infection that may need a tooth extraction.
Swelling in the Gum: Swollen gums around a tooth may be a sign of an abscess, which is an infection that has spread to the root beneath the tooth. This usually needs quick attention from a dentist to prevent it from getting worse.
Loose Tooth: Adults should never experience loose teeth. If a tooth begins to loosen, it could be due to underlying periodontal disease that needs urgent treatment.
Gum Disease: If gum disease (periodontitis) has caused the gums to recede and the teeth to loosen, tooth extraction may be necessary to prevent the spread of infection.
Trauma to the Tooth: If a tooth is broken or chipped badly and cannot be repaired, tooth removal may be the best option to prevent infection and further damage.
Non-stop Toothache: If you have a toothache that doesn’t improve with painkillers, it may be a sign that something more serious could be going on, such as an infection or decay reaching the nerve.
Repeated Infections: If you keep getting infections in the same area, like around a wisdom tooth, removing the tooth may be the best way to prevent future problems.
If you notice any of these symptoms, don’t wait. Contact your dentist to discuss the best course of action. Early treatment can often save a tooth, but if removal is needed, it’s best done sooner rather than later to keep your mouth healthy.
Schedule Your Visit Today for Expert Tooth Removal Care
Experience peace of mind with your dental health at Acts Dental. Our skilled team is ready to provide expert tooth removal care tailored to your needs. Schedule your visit today (08) 9474 5083 to receive a personalised assessment and address any dental concerns you may have. We are a NIB preferred provider, Bupa preferred provider, HBF preferred provider, HCF preferred provider, and Medibank preferred provider dentist in Perth. Let us help you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile.