4 Common Cases That Lead to Tooth Extractions

4 Common Cases That Lead To Tooth Extractions

June 1, 2021

Why Remove a Tooth?

Even though permanent teeth are meant to last forever, below are some of the reasons that warrant an extraction.

  • Risk of an Infection: A specialist can recommend an extraction if a patient is at risk of getting an infection, which can put their lives at risk. For example, a patient could be undergoing chemotherapy or requiring an organ transplant which requires the body to be free from infections for the procedure to succeed. Thus, an extraction is inevitable.
  • Oral Diseases: Mouth diseases such as periodontal disease may warrant an extraction. Periodontal disease is an infection that affects the bones and tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth. Once a patient suffers from periodontal disease, it is necessary to pull out the affected teeth and treat the affected areas using antibiotics to avoid further spread of the disease to adjacent teeth
  • Infection: Tooth decay is among the leading cause of teeth infections, with a high risk of spreading to the pulp. If not taken care of through regular brushing and flossing, the bacteria in the mouth usually accumulate on teeth causing decay. Once the bacteria penetrate to the pulp, infection is inevitable.
  • A Crowded Mouth: Dentists, in unique cases, usually extract teeth to pave the way for orthodontia. The specific intention of orthodontia is to align a patient’s teeth properly in their mouth. Likewise, a patient’s tooth may fail to erupt if it lacks a designated space in their mouth. In this case, a dentist will recommend an extraction.

Preparation for a Tooth Extraction

When scheduling the procedure, it is crucial to provide your dentist with any vital information before the process

  • Tell your pediatric dentist about any medications you are currently taking, including supplements, vitamins, and over the counter drugs
  • Tell your pediatric dentist about subsequent treatments for other medical conditions such as liver, thyroid, adrenal, renal diseases, diabetes, or an impaired immune system
  • Ensure you wear loose cloth on the day of extraction if the dentist has prescribed intravenous IV anesthesia. Also, refrain from eating or drinking 6-8 hours before your appointment
  • Explain to your pediatric dentist about your current condition, e.g., if you have a cold or feel nauseated within the last 24 hours
  • Have someone accompany you during the procedure 

The Procedure for a Tooth Extraction

The procedure used for tooth extraction is dependent on the visibility of the tooth and whether it has been impacted. However, the two commonly used procedures include:

  • Surgical Extraction: In this procedure, you will likely receive local anesthesia to calm and make you feel relaxed. Your pediatric dentist may also recommend general anesthesia, depending on your medical condition. While under general anesthesia, you will still be awake throughout the procedure. 

During a surgical extraction, the pediatric dentist will cut through your gum using a small incision. Also, they may choose to remove a bone or two around your tooth. The specialist may cut your tooth to extract it effectively.

  • Simple Extraction: This process only requires the use of anesthesia to numb the area around the affected tooth. After which the dentist will use an elevator to loosen the tooth and extract it using forceps.

How Much Do Tooth Extractions Cost? 

The prices for tooth removal vary widely due to several factors.

  • Whether the tooth is visible or impacted. 
  • The type of anesthesia applicable.
  • The location: The cost of most dental services is dependent on the cost of living of your region
  • Whether you are covered with insurance or not

Foods to Eat After Tooth Extractions

  • Blended Soups such as pumpkin soups and tomato soups
  • Broths, e.g., Bone broths
  • High Protein Foods, e.g., Greek yogurt and scrambled eggs
  • Root vegetables, e.g., mashed potatoes  

Tips for Selecting a Pediatric Dentist Near Me

Choosing tooth extractions near you can be a daunting task since the market is flooded with dentists. Below are the guidelines to follow.

  • Do due diligence: If in Houston TX, you can always do a simple google search on pediatric dentist Houston TX and read through other client’s reviews. Alternatively, you can seek help from your friends or colleagues for leads. 
  • Check the firm’s mode of payment: You can make a quick call to them and ask if they accept your insurance, cash, credit card, or other payment arrangements.
  • Select the Top candidate and schedule your child’s first appointment: Once you have narrowed down your search to one preferable candidate, book a visit. However, you can still cancel a visit if you still need to do further scouting. 

 

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