tooth
extractions / oral surgery / dental surgery
Tooth
extractions, or even just the idea of oral surgery, can
put a person ill at ease but if you understand the principles
behind pulling teeth and dental surgery in general,
the process having a tooth extraction will be less of an
ordeal.
Discover on the following pages some of the common reasons
why oral surgeons recommend,
or do not recommend, tooth extractions. Also, learn
what to expect before,
during,
and after
the tooth extraction process. The last pages of this
discussion provide some tips related to dry
sockets and post-extraction
recovery.
When
might a person need a tooth extraction?
You and your dentist may determine that you need a tooth extraction
for any one of a number of reasons. Some teeth are extracted
because they are severely decayed, others may have advanced
periodontal disease ("gum disease"), or else have broken in
a fashion which cannot be repaired. Other teeth may need removal
because they are poorly positioned in the mouth (such as impacted
wisdom teeth), or else in preparation for orthodontic treatment
("braces").
When might a tooth extraction be a bad idea?
During
an examination of your teeth and mouth it is possible that
your dentist will present to you various alternative treatments
instead of a tooth extraction. While having a tooth extracted
may be less expensive than the other options proposed it
may not be the least expensive in the long run.
When
a tooth is missing its neighboring teeth will tend to shift,
sometimes significantly, which in turn can have a major
impact on your dental health. Even the removal of a single
tooth can lead to problems related to your chewing ability,
problems with your jaw joint, and predispose the teeth that
have shifted to problems also.
To avoid these complications, in most cases, your dentist
will probably recommend to you to replace the tooth that
has been extracted. Replacing a tooth that has been extracted
with an artificial one can easily cost more than the alternative
of not having a tooth extraction and instead rebuilding
the tooth.
Tooth Extractions:
- Page
1
When should you have, or
not have, a tooth extraction?
- Page
2
What to expect before the
tooth extraction procedure.
- Page
3
The principles behind tooth
extractions.
- Page
4
What to expect during the
tooth extraction procedure.
- Page
5
Post extraction instructions:
First 24 hours.
- Page
6
Post extraction instructions:
After 24 hours.
Dry sockets.
- Page
7
How much do tooth extractions
cost?
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