Tooth Extraction 101: Why Are They Necessary, How We Proceed, and Aftercare Tips

Extensive decay, gum disease, or impacted teeth are just some of the common causes why patients may need to search for a “tooth extraction near me.” While the idea of losing one of your natural teeth may seem scary, it is a necessary step to fully remove the infection and put your oral health back on track.

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Luckily, understanding this treatment in detail can help you relax before going to the dentist’s office. To help you, here’s a breakdown of dental extractions, going over why they’re necessary, what benefits they may bring, and some restorative dentistry options to recover your full smile.

What Are Tooth Extractions—And Why Are They Necessary?

Tooth extractions are frequently performed by dentists and oral surgeons, involving removing an entire tooth structure from the gum socket. While dentists prefer to explore every available option before suggesting an extraction, there are several reasons why a tooth may need to be extracted, which include:  

• Wisdom tooth extraction
• Severely damaged teeth from accidents or decay
• Too many teeth that get in the way of orthodontic procedures
• Impacted teeth
• Infected teeth
• Advanced periodontal disease, which causes loose teeth

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How’s the Tooth Extraction Procedure?

The tooth extraction process depends on the type of extraction. There are two main types. Simple extractions don’t require incisions and can only be performed with a local anesthetic. Complex extractions often require the work of an oral surgeon. They may involve extracting several teeth or teeth in complex locations and require general anesthesia.

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The precise procedures for extracting teeth will vary from case to case. However, the general steps of a single tooth extraction are as follows:

1. The anesthetic will be applied to the immediate vicinity of the tooth.
2. Your dentist will separate the tooth from the bone-connecting fibers.
3. After being loosened, the tooth is gently raised out of its socket.
4. To reduce bleeding, your dentist will press on the tooth socket after extracting the tooth.
5. Following the procedure, you will receive post-operative instructions from your dentist.

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Exploring Restorative Dentistry Options

Depending on the circumstances, recovering from a tooth extraction may take two weeks or longer. Immediately after, your dentist will suggest dental restorations to help you regain your full smile. If you don’t replace your missing teeth, the surrounding teeth may shift toward the available space, causing misalignment and making it harder to eat and speak comfortably.

• ‍Dental bridges are prosthetic devices used to replace one or more missing teeth. They " bridge" the gap between two dental implants or healthy teeth, allowing patients to speak, chew, and smile confidently again.
• ‍Implants function similarly to natural teeth because they’re inserted into the mandible. They are extremely durable, lasting up to 25 years, and protect your jawbone from bone resorption.

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Helping you Find Painless tooth Extractions Near Me

Let’s be honest—dental extractions don’t have a popular image. It makes sense, though, as no one likes losing one of their natural teeth. However, with sedation dentistry options and our gentle treatments today, extractions are no longer something to be afraid of.

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Here at Black Bear Dental, we aim to ensure you always get the best patient experience. Contact us today to get on track to recovering your dental health!