Is tooth pain making you desperate for a tooth extraction?

If just the thought of a tooth extraction gives you the shivers, you should know that it could be even worse if you postpone it. Get it taken care of now.

Tooth extractions are necessary for all sorts of reasons, including rotten teeth and wisdom teeth that are not emerging properly. If you hate the thought of getting a tooth pulled, you’ll have to tell yourself that putting if off runs serious risks to your health. Over time, adjacent teeth could also develop cavities and have to be extracted as well.

Usually dentists recommend getting a tooth pulled only when decay has destroyed most of the tooth’s structure and it can no longer be repaired.

Cases of dental inclusion, especially with wisdom teeth, are another common situation that calls for tooth extraction. Dental surgery to have wisdom teeth removed is recommended during the teenage years, as the roots of these teeth are not yet fully formed in young adults, aged 16 to 22 years. Extraction at this age minimizes risks and complications. However, not all teenagers have to undergo this operation; in most cases, wisdom teeth erupt normally and never cause any problems.

However, for a person in their thirties, forties, or fifties, wisdom teeth that have never caused problems in the past can suddenly become painful or develop cavities, making it necessary to proceed with a tooth extraction.

Dentists may suggest tooth extraction during a regular checkup or during an appointment for a dental problem. If the tooth to be extracted is not too damaged and is clearly visible in the mouth, the dentist will proceed with a simple extraction under local anesthesia.

Surgery is necessary for tooth extractions involving impacted wisdom teeth, teeth with curved roots, and teeth that are difficult to reach. This is done under general anesthesia, with the administration of a sedative, usually by intravenous injection. The operation itself usually lasts less than 30 minutes, with some additional time in the recovery room.

The same day and for a few days after the tooth extraction, it’s normal to feel a certain amount of discomfort that will gradually disappear. During this time, hard foods should be avoided. Soon, though, you’ll have every reason to smile: not only will the pain have disappeared but the extracted tooth will never trouble you again!