Why Does My Tooth Need to Be Pulled?
A number of issues may cause a tooth to be so extensively damaged that it’s irreparable. Tooth trauma, advanced gum disease, and severe decay often lead to the need for a dental extraction. Teeth with extremely large cavities also cannot be restored because once the dentist removes the diseased part of the tooth, there isn’t enough healthy tooth left to sustain normal function Decay, injury, and gum disease can also be quite painful, but a dental extraction stops the pain almost immediately. Below, we explore these and other conditions that lead to extractions, so keep reading for more information.
How Much Does a Tooth Extraction Cost?
Your actual tooth removal cost depends on whether your procedure will be a simple extraction or a more extensive surgical extraction. Other factors affecting the cost include how difficult the tooth is to pull and whether you have dental insurance. Many dental insurance providers cover a portion of extractions, and we’re happy to coordinate with your provider to reduce your overall cost.
What Is a Surgical Extraction?
If a tooth has not yet erupted through the gum or if only a small part of the tooth is visible above the gum, an oral surgery extraction may be necessary. If there isn’t enough visible tooth to grasp with forceps, our dentists will refer your extraction to an oral surgeon.
Can Severely Decayed or Broken Teeth Be Pulled?
We always prioritize saving your tooth, so if your decayed, broken, or cracked tooth can be preserved with a root canal and crown, we’ll recommend that procedure. However, if the tooth cannot be restored, we will recommend extraction to relieve your pain and restore your oral health. Once the extraction is complete, our dentist will talk with you about replacing the tooth to keep your other teeth in place and maintain your jaw density.
Is a Tooth Extraction Necessary for Advanced Stage Gum Disease?
Severe gum disease can attack the ligaments and bone that support your teeth and hold them in place. When those support structures are damaged by severe periodontal disease, your dentist will likely advise that you have the affected tooth pulled. Also, if you are in pain because of extensive gum disease, a tooth extraction may be the best way to relieve your pain.
When Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?
Wisdom teeth usually come in between the ages of 17 and 21, and these teeth present unique challenges for most people. Many of these problems arise because the average adult doesn’t have a jaw large enough to accommodate this third set of molars. When wisdom teeth try to emerge under these constrained space conditions, infection or damage to the jawbone may result. If the teeth are able to emerge, they may also come in at an angle. If your wisdom teeth have not erupted through the gum yet, our dentist may refer you to an oral surgeon. The oral surgeon can surgically remove the teeth, relieving the pain of impacted wisdom teeth and alleviating the problems associated with these molars.
Why Is Tooth Crowding an Issue?
Tooth crowding is a fairly common problem caused by too many teeth that push against each other and cause misalignment. If your teeth are crooked from overcrowding, you’ll need to have one or more teeth removed to make room for braces and straightening teeth.
What Are My Extraction Aftercare Instructions?
Following teeth extractions, our dentist will give you instructions detailing how to care for your extraction site for the next 24 hours. It’s important that you closely follow those instructions so that a blood clot can form in your now-empty tooth socket. We’ll also give you advice for relieving any discomfort and swelling you may experience at the extraction site.
How Long Will It Take for My Extraction Site to Heal?
During the first 24 hours after having your tooth pulled, you’ll be limited in activity. Following the first 24 hours, you can engage in moderate activities, avoiding anything strenuous. Our dentist will advise you when you can resume strenuous activity. Tooth extraction healing is usually complete within the first week. If you’ve had a molar extraction or a surgical extraction, though, healing may take a bit longer.
We would be honored to be your trusted dental partner. If you need a skilled dentist for tooth extraction in Philadelphia, give us a call. We’re happy to schedule your evaluation with one of our experienced extraction dentists.