Sometimes the only fix for painful or problematic teeth is to remove them. Decay, injury, impaction, and are just a few reasons a tooth may need to come out. However, these problematic teeth will continue to cause serious oral health problems if left untreated.
If you have a tooth that needs to be extracted, don’t hesitate to contact our oral surgeon in Issaquah, Washington. We offer gentle, painless extractions using the latest techniques. We also offer same-day appointments and financing options. Call us today to schedule a consultation.
When Do I Need to Extract A Tooth?
There are many reasons why you might need to have a tooth extracted. Some of the most common reasons include:
- Tooth decay: If a tooth is severely decayed, the decay may spread to the roots of the tooth and cause an infection. In this case, the tooth may need to be extracted to prevent the infection from spreading.
- Injury: If a tooth is knocked out or fractured, it may need to be extracted to prevent further damage. Impaction: An impacted tooth is a tooth that is unable to erupt (come in) normally. Impacted teeth can cause pain, infection, and other problems. In some cases, impacted teeth may need to be extracted.
- Periodontal disease: Periodontal disease is a serious gum disease that can damage the bone that supports the teeth. If periodontal disease is not treated, it can cause teeth to become loose and may need to be extracted.
- Crooked or crowded teeth: In some cases, crooked or crowded teeth can make it difficult to clean them properly. This can lead to tooth decay and other problems. In these cases, the teeth may need to be extracted to make room for braces or other orthodontic treatment.
- Premature tooth loss: Sometimes, children may lose their baby teeth prematurely. This can happen due to injury, disease, or other factors. If a baby tooth is lost prematurely, the adult tooth may not have enough room to come in. In this case, the baby tooth may need to be extracted to make room for the adult tooth.
If you are experiencing any of the problems listed above, it is important to see a dentist or oral surgeon to discuss whether or not a tooth extraction is necessary.
When is a Tooth Extraction an Emergency?
A tooth extraction is not usually a dental emergency unless the tooth is causing severe pain or there is an infection. However, there are some situations where a tooth extraction may need to be done right away. These include:
- A tooth that is knocked out: If a tooth is knocked out, it is important to see a dentist or oral surgeon as soon as possible to have it put back in. The sooner the tooth is replaced, the better the chances of saving it.
- A tooth that is severely decayed or infected: If a tooth is severely decayed or infected, it may need to be extracted to prevent the infection from spreading.
- A tooth that is causing pain: If a tooth is causing severe pain, it may need to be extracted to relieve the pain.
- A tooth that is interfering with other teeth: If a tooth is interfering with other teeth, it may need to be extracted to prevent damage to the other teeth.
If you are experiencing any of these conditions, it is important to see a dentist or oral surgeon as soon as possible. They will be able to assess the situation and determine if a tooth extraction is necessary.
Here are some signs and symptoms that may indicate that a tooth extraction is an emergency:
- Severe pain: If you are experiencing severe pain in a tooth, it is important to see a dentist or oral surgeon as soon as possible.
- Swelling: If the area around the tooth is swollen, it is also a sign that an infection may be present.
- Redness: If the area around the tooth is red, it is also a sign of infection.
- Fever: If you have a fever, it is a sign that your body is fighting an infection.
- Loose tooth: If a tooth is loose, it may need to be extracted to prevent further damage.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a dentist or oral surgeon right away. They will be able to assess the situation and determine if a tooth extraction is necessary.
What To Avoid After A Tooth Extraction
After you’ve had a tooth removed, you’ll need to alter some of your habits to help the healing process. It’s not a complete lifestyle change, but here are some things to avoid:
- Smoking and drinking alcohol: Smoking and drinking alcohol can delay healing and increase the risk of infection. Avoid these activities for at least 24 hours after your tooth extraction.
- Rinsing your mouth vigorously: Rinsing your mouth vigorously can dislodge the blood clot that is forming at the extraction site. This can lead to bleeding and infection. Instead, you can gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water after 24 hours.
- Sucking on straws or hard objects: Sucking on straws or hard objects can also dislodge the blood clot. Avoid these activities for at least 24 hours after your tooth extraction.
- Chewing on the extraction site: Chewing on the extraction site can also dislodge the blood clot. Avoid chewing on this area for at least 24 hours.
- Brushing your teeth near the extraction site: Brushing your teeth near the extraction site can also dislodge the blood clot. Wait until 24 hours after your tooth extraction to brush your teeth normally.
- Exercising too much: Exercising too much can increase your blood pressure and heart rate, which can increase the risk of bleeding. Avoid strenuous activity for at least 24 hours after your tooth extraction.
Avoiding these activities and closely following the care instructions you’re given after the procedure can help the healing process and infection or damaging the area further. If you have any questions or concerns, please give us a call at (425) 477-7723.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
If you are looking for a gentle and painless tooth extraction in Issaquah, WA, our experienced oral surgeon can help. We offer a variety of extraction techniques to meet your needs, and we use the latest technology to ensure your comfort and safety. We also offer same-day appointments, so you can get the care you need without having to wait.
We understand that tooth extraction can be a daunting procedure, but we are here to make it as easy as possible for you. Our team of experienced and compassionate professionals will take care of you every step of the way. We will explain the procedure in detail, answer any questions you have, and provide you with all the support you need.
We are committed to providing our patients with the highest quality care. Our oral surgeon is board-certified and has extensive experience in tooth extraction. We use the latest technology and techniques to ensure your comfort and safety.
Call us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about our tooth extraction services.
