When Is a Tooth Extraction Necessary Marietta, GA
Although it is best to preserve a natural tooth, there are times when a tooth extraction is necessary. An extraction may be the best option to maintain oral health due to trauma, disease, or crowding. Tooth extraction involves the complete removal of one or more teeth from the jaw bone.
Tooth extraction is available at Happy Dental and Orthodontics in Marietta and the surrounding area. Our team can extract teeth gently and safely to preserve your oral health. Call us at (770) 200-4034 to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment.
Tooth Extraction Is Normal
Adult teeth are meant to be permanent and last a lifetime. Unfortunately, however, even the most careful patients are not immune to accidents or dental issues. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), tooth extractions are usually necessary due to tooth crowding, dental disease, or orofacial trauma.
In most cases, the procedure itself is relatively simple and can be performed in a single dental appointment while the patient is under general anesthesia. Teeth that are visible above the gum line will require us to numb the extraction site before removing the tooth with forceps, while broken or impacted teeth will necessitate a more complex procedure.
“In most cases, [tooth extraction] itself is relatively simple and can be performed in a single dental appointment while the patient is under general anesthesia.”
Reasons for Tooth Extraction
Tooth extractions are often performed to stop an infection. For most people, this occurs due to gum disease. Gum disease is a result of bacteria getting below the gum line, causing an infection. If left untreated, oral bacteria may lead to receding gums, loose teeth, and jawbone damage. Gum disease is also reportedly one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults.
Chronic dental infections may also cause inflammation, a condition linked to several systemic diseases – including cardiovascular disease and stroke. Root canals are often sufficient to save teeth from decay. In rare cases, however, a tooth may be too far gone to reasonably save. In such cases, extracting the tooth may be the most reasonable option.
“Tooth extractions are often performed to stop an infection.”
Overcrowded or Impacted Teeth
In some cases, it is beneficial to have crowded or impacted teeth extracted. Impacted wisdom teeth do not have enough room to grow. Extraction can prevent pain, infection, and other dental problems. While not all wisdom teeth need removal, it is necessary once they start causing problems. In some cases, wisdom teeth do not fully break through the gums and can cause crowding issues. A partially erupted wisdom tooth is especially susceptible to cavities.
Patients may also need teeth extracted before receiving braces. Orthodontics involves the process of properly aligning the teeth, which may be tough without enough room. Crowded teeth increase a patient's risk of developing gum disease and cavities. Extracting teeth can relieve crowding and impacted teeth.
“Extraction can prevent pain, infection, and other dental problems.”
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: When Is a Tooth Extraction Necessary in Marietta, GA
When Tooth Restorations Are Not Enough
Thanks to modern-day advances in dental technology, there are several tooth restoration treatments available that a patient may be able to try before having to turn to tooth extraction. In most cases, time is of the essence, and patients who can come in to see Happy Dental and Orthodontics soon enough have higher chances of saving their teeth. However, teeth that are severely decayed are usually beyond repair, and gums that are severely infected are generally unable to support the teeth.
Adult teeth are meant to be permanent and can withstand tremendous wear and tear. Still, this does not make them strong enough to endure countless repairs. Each treatment and retreatment wears away at the natural tooth until there is little left to save. At a certain point, the patient will only experience more dental health problems by maintaining their natural tooth, and a tooth extraction becomes the most viable option.
“…teeth that are severely decayed are usually beyond repair, and gums that are severely infected are generally unable to support the teeth.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. Why do I need my wisdom teeth or other teeth removed?
Q. Is tooth extraction normal?
Q. What are the reasons for tooth extraction?
Q. When are tooth restorations not enough to save a tooth?
Q. What kind of accidents can lead to tooth extractions?
People Also Ask
Q. When should one seek emergency dental care?
Q. What should I do if I lose teeth?
Q. What are partial removable dentures for one missing tooth?
Q. How does a dentist prepare a tooth for extraction?
Q. What are the risks of untreated dental pain?
Q. Can dental implants replace missing teeth?
Accidents Leading to Tooth Extractions
While adult teeth are extremely durable, they are not immune to damage. Both minor and major dental injuries can occur due to orofacial trauma. While most injuries from orofacial trauma are minor, some may be severe enough to necessitate tooth extraction. Common accidents leading to tooth extractions include, but are not limited to, car accidents, sports injuries, and slip-and-falls.
Since time is of the essence whenever there is any damage to the tooth, patients must get to our office as soon as possible after their accident. We can examine the tooth for any signs of additional damage that may not be apparent to the untrained eye. Tooth extraction may be necessary if teeth have become severely fractured, making them loose and unable to be restored. Even seemingly mild dental trauma should be taken seriously.
“Both minor and major dental injuries can occur due to orofacial trauma.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Do tooth extractions hurt?
A. In most cases, the patient will receive general or local anesthesia to keep them comfortable during the procedure. Some teeth that require extraction have even lost some of their nerve signals. We will do everything in our power to keep your safety and comfort at the forefront of everything we do.
Q. What should I tell my dentist before my tooth extraction?
A. Tooth extraction is generally a safe procedure, but there is a small risk of harmful bacteria entering the bloodstream. It also puts gum tissue at a small risk of infection. As such, patients with any conditions that put them at high risk for developing a severe infection may need to take antibiotics before and after the extraction. Make sure to let Happy Dental and Orthodontics know your complete medical history and any medications and supplements you are currently taking. It is also essential to let us know if you have congenital heart defects, artificial joints, damaged or man-made heart valves, impaired immune system, liver disease, or a history of bacterial endocarditis.
Q. When should I call the dentist after my tooth extraction?
A. Some swelling and residual bleeding 24 hours after a tooth extraction are normal and to be expected. However, you should call us immediately if you are experiencing severe pain and bleeding for more than four hours after the tooth extraction. You should also let us know if you are experiencing any signs of infection (such as fever and chills), nausea and vomiting, cough, shortness of breath, redness, swelling, chest pain, or excessive discharge from the treated area.
Q. What is it like to recover from a tooth extraction?
A. It usually takes a few days to recover from a tooth extraction. Some minor pain and discomfort are not unusual, and they can generally be controlled with over-the-counter medications. Eating soft foods, refraining from tobacco use, and applying an ice pack can also help.
Q. What happens after a tooth extraction?
A. We may prescribe you painkillers to prevent infection. Take these as directed. Do not rinse or spit forcefully for 24 hours after the extraction, lest you dislodge the clot forming in the socket. Remember to follow any other direction we provide you.
Scan here to view this page, When Is a Tooth Extraction Necessary, on mobile
Dental Terminology
Call Us Today
When necessary, tooth extraction can relieve pain and give you have a more functional smile. Our team at Happy Dental and Orthodontics can help determine whether you are a good candidate for this procedure. Call us at 770-200-4034 to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2024
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2024
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2024
About our business and website security
- Happy Dental and Orthodontics was established in 2021.
- We accept the following payment methods: American Express, Cash, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa
- We serve patients from the following counties: Cobb County and Fulton County
- We serve patients from the following cities: Marietta, Smyrna, Sandy Springs, Atlanta, Kennesaw, Roswell, Acworth, East Cobb, Alpharetta and Fair Oaks
- National Provider Identifier Database (1407403652). View NPI Registry Information
- Norton Safe Web. View Details
- Trend Micro Site Safety Center. View Details
Scan here to open directions to Happy Dental and Orthodontics on mobile
Back to top of When Is a Tooth Extraction Necessary
Related Posts
How Often Should You Get A Dental Cleaning?
Regular dental cleaning maintains or improves your oral health. For example, dentists include routine deep cleaning in long-term treatment plans for patients who live with gum disease. Dental cleaning is also important for smokers who have otherwise healthy teeth. This piece goes over the routine for dental cleaning.Dental practices prefer to offer first-line treatment rather…
5 FAQs About Clear Aligners
Clear aligners are a great orthodontic option that many general dentists are now offering. They are popular due to their flexibility, convenience, and ease; however, because they are still considered relatively new to dentistry, there are still a lot of questions regarding how they work and what the treatment process entails. Read on to learn…
A General Dentist Shares 4 Preventive Oral Hygiene Tips
Your general dentist will always emphasize the importance of oral health. Read on to learn about how preventive oral hygiene helps maintain good overall health. Many illnesses manifest themselves more visibly through the mouth. As a result, it is crucial to maintain oral health through oral hygiene and prevent dental issues.The following are some preventive…
Welcome To Happy Dental And Orthodontics
We are committed to providing quality service to residents located In the Marietta, GA area. Our website has additional information about the following topics: Dentist, Cosmetic Dentist, Family Dentist, General Dentist, Emergency Dentist, Dental Implants, All-on-4 Dental Implants, Implant Supported Dentures, Dentures and Dental Crowns.
Explore additional topics covered on our website:
Call Us Today
Scan here to call Happy Dental and Orthodontics on mobile