Tooth extraction is the process of removing a tooth from the gums. Simple and surgical are the two types of extraction. Simple extraction is preferred procedure when the teeth are easily seen in the mouth. A simple extraction can be performed by the dentist under local anesthetic. A surgical extraction may be the only option if the teeth cannot be seen by the gums. Oral surgeons usually perform surgical extractions. They may use general or local anesthetic.
Most people have to undergo at least one tooth extraction in their lifetime. Below are some of the most common reasons that dentists elect to extract teeth:
- Crowding- Some people have extra teeth in their mouth that can prevent the other teeth from growing in normally.
- Braces- It is not uncommon for a person to undergo an extraction before getting braces. Extracting a few teeth helps create extra room for the teeth to move into place.
- Wisdom teeth- Approximately 75 to 80 percent of people will eventually need to get their wisdom teeth extracted. The wisdom teeth usually come in between the ages of 16 and 24. Infection, pain and decay are some of the problems that are frequently associated with wisdom teeth. All of those problems warrant the need for an extraction. Wisdom teeth removal is frequently performed via surgical extraction.
- Infection- Poor dental care, chemotherapy treatment and organ transplants are some of the things that can make a person more susceptible to developing a tooth infection. An infection can very easily spread from one tooth to another. That is why dentists have to extract the infected tooth.
- Radiation treatment- Sometimes, patients who are undergoing radiation treatment will need to have a few teeth extracted. If the teeth are in the field of the radiation, they could make the treatment less effective.
If you feel you are in need of an extraction, feel free to call our office at 1-866-478-7695 to schedule an appointment. We will do a series of x-rays and recommend the best treatment.
If diabetes is uncontrolled or poorly managed, white blood cells, which are responsible for fighting infections in the mouth, are not able to do their job. Uncontrolled diabetes can decrease the amount of saliva in the mouth, which causes dry mouth. Dry mouth can lead to tooth decay, infections, and mouth soreness. Diabetes can also cause slower than normal healing in the mouth after a surgery or injury because the disease affects blood flow to the mouth. Often, people with diabetes have to take antibiotics to deal with infection, and they are particularly susceptible to thrush, which is a fungal infection that can cause a burning or itching sensation in the mouth. Another major oral health concern that affects people with uncontrolled or poorly managed diabetes is gum disease. Not only does diabetes affect white blood cells, it causes a thickening in blood vessels. This thickening slows the speed with which nutrients flow toward tissues and wastes are carried away from them. In the mouth, white blood cells that don’t act as they should, excess waste, and poor nutrient flow can lead to gum infections, like gingivitis and periodontitis.