What is Tooth Extraction?

Tooth extraction is one of the most common treatments in severely damaged tooth. While there are other alternatives for it, many dentists will eventually recommend the execution of this treatment.

Tooth extraction, in its simplest definition, is described as the clinical process of pulling a tooth out so that it will not cause serious pain anymore. This is usually done to kids with damaged tooth due to improper dental hygiene and poor food choices. In adults, it is mainly due to different factors.

A dentist in Orange Country specializes in diagnosing and performing tooth extraction. He explains the basics of tooth extraction below.

Causes of Tooth Extraction

The main reason for undergoing tooth extraction is decaying of tooth which usually comes from poor dental hygiene. However there are other reasons why patients go through this procedure. A crowded mouth, for example, may need tooth extraction, so that the teeth can be aligned perfectly. The dentist will need to prepare the patient for orthodontia to ensure that the teeth are properly treated for alignment. In this case, the tooth is extracted when it cannot erupt due to big-sized teeth or limited space in the mouth.

Another reason for tooth extraction is tooth decay resulting to damaged pulp. The pulp contains the nerve and blood vessels, so when the infection reaches the pulp, deep pain is experienced. This case can be treated well with a root canal treatment, but if it reaches a critical condition, the dentist will most likely recommend tooth extraction to prevent the spread of infection. It is good to avoid the spread of infection as it has a direct effect on the immune system.

After-Treatment Effects

Since tooth surgery involves pulling the tooth out of the mouth, there are certain expectations after the procedure is done. It is common for dentists to prescribe pain killers to better manage the soreness. Some would recommend rinsing the mouth for 24 hours with a mixture of salt and warm water. This will further alleviate the pain and ensure no infection. For the a few days, it is best to consume soft foods such as pudding, soups, and starchy vegetables.

These are just some of the basic information about tooth extraction. The dentist in Orange Country can better help you in terms of seeking the best treatment for different dental problems. For more information, visit http://www.designedsmiles.com/.

photo: creeksideoralsurgery