Tooth extractions are only used as a last resort when other dental solutions like root canals, crowns, or dental bonding cannot repair the tooth. In some cases, a patient may also need a surgical extraction to remove impacted teeth or wisdom teeth.
After a tooth extraction, it is important to let a blood clot form in the socket to aid healing. Avoid rinsing vigorously, suck on straws, smoking, or brushing the area as this can dislodge the clot.
Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is an ongoing process that compromises the softer outer layers of your teeth. It progresses until it reaches the center of the tooth, causing sensitivity or even pain. During routine cleanings and exams, we can spot cavities and fill them promptly before they cause damage. This prevents tooth loss and other oral health problems.
Unfortunately, there are some cases in which we cannot repair a damaged tooth and need to extract it. Fortunately, there are effective tooth replacement options like dental implants and bridges to fill the empty space. Tooth extraction Cypress TX are common procedures for a number of dental issues, including:
Impacted Teeth
When a tooth cannot break through the gum tissue and erupt in place, it is considered impacted. Impacted teeth are sometimes symptomless and may not require treatment, but if they cause pain or other problems, they should be removed to avoid infection or damage to surrounding teeth.
There are several types of impacted teeth, including vertical impaction, which occurs when the tooth is stuck in the soft tissue of the gums; angular impaction, which causes the tooth to grow at an angle and block other teeth; or partial impaction, which occurs when a wisdom tooth only partially breaks through the gum. A dentist can evaluate your condition and determine the best treatment for you.
After the extraction, a gauze pad will be placed over the area to control bleeding and help a blood clot form. It is important to not rinse vigorously, suck on straws, smoke or drink alcohol next to the extraction site, as these activities can dislodge or disrupt the clot and inhibit healing. Over-the-counter pain relievers can be used to manage discomfort, and icing the area can also reduce swelling.
Tooth Trauma
Tooth trauma occurs when the teeth, gums or jawbone are injured. This injury can range from mild to severe and is a dental emergency that requires prompt treatment. It can also damage your long-term oral health if left untreated. It is usually caused by motor vehicle accidents, sports injuries, interpersonal violence or other mishaps.
Fortunately, most dental trauma cases have a positive outlook with proper diagnosis and treatment. Your dentist Cypress TX may recommend pain medication and oral hygiene instructions to help you heal after the procedure. They will also instruct you to eat soft foods and drink plenty of fluids.
It is important to avoid biting down on hard objects and chewing on the affected area until you are completely healed. Then, brush and floss as instructed to prevent further complications. It is also recommended that you visit your dentist for regular follow-up visits to ensure that the healing process is on track. This will help to prevent complications, such as dry socket.
Gum Disease
If gum disease is left untreated it can lead to bone and tissue loss. Without proper treatment, the infection can spread to other teeth and affect your overall health, increasing your risk for coronary artery disease, respiratory problems, and even diabetes.
Bleeding gums are a common early warning sign of gum disease. If you see blood while brushing, schedule an appointment to have your gums examined. This bacterial infection, gingivitis, is mild and can usually be reversed by professional cleaning and improved at-home oral care.
Gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, when the infection enters the gum tissue and the supporting bone. This advanced stage can cause the gums to detach from the tooth, resulting in loose or missing teeth. Depending on the severity, treatment may involve scaling and root planing (deep cleaning), gum grafts that use fragments of your own or synthetic bone to add density to thin gums, or tissue engineering techniques that encourage your body to regrow lost gum and bone.