The primary goal of every dentist is to help you keep your natural teeth for as much as possible. Despite this, there are situations when having tooth extractions in Greenville, SC, is in your best interests and this is because of a variety of factors.  

Perhaps you have a tooth that has been seriously damaged by decay or trauma, or an impacted wisdom tooth and will give you problems in the future? Perhaps your kid will need orthodontic treatment soon because they have little space for their adult teeth? If you or your kid experience any of these cases, you are most probably going to need a tooth extraction.

woman having tooth extractions in Greenville SC

Tooth Extraction Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Tooth Extraction?

A tooth extraction is a frequent surgery used to treat serious tooth decay or a fractured tooth that cannot be corrected by treatments like root canal or dental filling. Aside from this, another reason why tooth extraction is necessary is that the treatment is able to eradicate bacteria and enhance your overall dental health. 

Can I Have Multiple Teeth Extracted at Once?

Generally, there is no limitation when it comes to the number of teeth you want to extract in a single visit. While it is uncommon to have numerous teeth pulled at the same time, it is occasionally the only option for patients with serious tooth decay.  

If you have this dental condition, the dentist you consult with may suggest that you have those teeth pulled in one visit rather than coming in for multiple surgeries.  

What Are the Reasons for Tooth Extraction?

As previously said, there are a multitude of reasons for tooth extraction. Your dentist will always be delighted to discuss the benefits and drawbacks of any dental treatment, including extractions, with you. 

  • Impacted Wisdom Teeth – Early removal of impacted wisdom teeth can avoid damage to nearby healthy teeth, bone, gum tissue, nerves, and blood vessels. It’s advisable to remove an impacted wisdom tooth before its roots have fully grown, especially when it is in a problematic place. 
  • Trauma or Disease – In all of these cases, there are numerous options for saving the tooth. Root canal therapy, full-coverage crown, or both may be required for the injured tooth. However, if these procedures fail to keep the tooth functional and attractive, it may be necessary to remove the tooth and change it with a strong and lifelike dental implant. 
  • Orthodontic Treatment – When there are too many teeth for the size of your dental arches, a condition known as crowding, teeth are occasionally extracted. After an adequate amount of space has been created by the extraction of one or more teeth, the remaining teeth can be properly aligned. The first premolars are the ones that are most frequently removed for orthodontic reasons (canines). 

Different Types

Although the terms are often used interchangeably, removing a tooth and having a tooth extracted are two separate operations. A tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth above the gum line. To remove teeth below the gum line, a surgical extraction is needed. In this process, your dentist will perform an incision and may need to break it into smaller pieces. 

What Are the Steps to a Successful Tooth Extraction Recovery?

Extraction of a lot of teeth may be a serious treatment. Cleaning and caring for your mouth at home is also a crucial aspect of your recovery. So, here are some useful tips to hasten your healing.  

  • After your procedure, wait at least two hours before drinking or eating. You have to allow the formation of blood clots first before introducing your mouth to any food or beverage. 
  • Only consume soft meals and fluids for at least a few days following your operation. 
  • Do not brush or rinse your teeth for at least 12 hours. 
  • Avoid brushing the extraction area and be careful not to disturb the blood clot that forms to aid healing. 

Is a Tooth Extraction Effective in Improving Oral Health?

Tooth extractions, both basic and surgical, improve your oral health. When tooth decay is too severe to save the tooth, we conduct a tooth extraction. We prevent the bacteria from spreading to neighboring teeth and your gums by removing the decayed tooth.  

Furthermore, we often remove an impacted tooth to relieve the pressure the tooth is causing on your surrounding teeth and gums. Because this pressure leads to misalignment, removing the tooth allows the remainder of your bite to heal properly.

Woman preparing for tooth extractions in Greenville SC

Are You Ready for Tooth Extractions in Greenville, SC?

Our dentists at Pelham Links Family and Cosmetic Dentistry will provide you with detailed advice to help you prepare for your tooth extraction operation before, during, and after. Make an appointment with us today for a worry-free treatment!