Extraction

When might you require a tooth extraction?

• Non-restorable teeth, including broken, cracked, or extensively decayed teeth.
• Root canal treatment cannot be performed.
• Advanced periodontal disease (gum disease) and the tooth becomes loose.
• Malpositioned or nonfunctional teeth.
• Offending/impacted wisdom teeth.
• Required in preparation for orthodontic treatment (braces).

When might a tooth extraction be a bad idea?

• The tooth has alternative treatment option other than extraction.
• Extraction may not be the least expensive treatment in the long-run.

When a tooth is removed its neighboring teeth will tend to shift, change the alignment and impact your biting and chewing. To avoid these complications, you need replace any tooth that has been extracted. The replacing a tooth usually cost more than the alternative of not extracting a tooth and instead rebuilding it.

Precautions you should take after extractions:

• Bite on the gauze for 30 minutes.
• Do not rinse for 24 hours.
• Do not smoke for 24 hours.
• After 24 hours rinse gently with warm salty water.
• Eat soft foods in the following 24 hours.
• If you swell, apply ice-bag, 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off .