Tooth extraction is typically performed as a last resort in cases whereby other treatment options have been exhausted and there are significant medical risks from attempting to treat the tooth.
In order to extract a tooth in Wilmington, a Wilmington general dentist might make an incision around the gum line to access the bone underneath the gum, then break this bone with a long metal hook called a ratchet forceps. You may feel pressure in the gum area, and this portion of the procedure can be quite painful. The tooth is removed by cutting through the roots of the tooth with small forceps, and once this is complete, your general dentist will remove any remnants of damaged tissue or dried blood. After the extraction is complete, your gums may bleed profusely, so it’s important to have some gauze ready to stop any bleeding if it occurs while you are still at the dental office.
Let us now see the common reasons for tooth extractions in Wilmington.
- Advanced periodontal disease
Tooth decay and gum recession can lead to serious periodontal disease, a state of severe gum inflammation resulting from infections that are deep within the gums and mouth. In such a severe stage, the dentist might recommend a tooth extraction.
- Extra teeth or baby teeth that impede adult teeth
Extra teeth called wisdom teeth may be impacted in the jaw, leading to complicated gum infections. If this is the case, your Wilmington dentist will probably recommend extracting the affected tooth.
- Preparing a patient for orthodontic treatment
Sometimes dental professionals will extract teeth to prep you for orthodontic treatments or dental restorations. For example, metal braces can’t be placed over certain teeth because the metal will interfere with the way the teeth move around. In this case, tooth extraction might be needed to make room for orthodontic treatment.
- Removing a fractured or malformed tooth
Sometimes, a tooth has developed abnormally or has chipped or fractured, and this can cause pain. In such cases, dentists might recommend tooth extraction as the best option. And in certain cases, tooth extraction might also demand restorations like dental implants or bridges.
- Severe tooth decay
If a tooth is severely infected or decayed, the dentist will recommend a tooth extraction. Severe tooth decay must be addressed immediately because otherwise, the infection can spread to adjacent teeth.
