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Teeth Extraction
Extraction (or removal) of teeth is most often necessary
when the mouth becomes overcrowded or when gum disease or tooth decay has
severely damaged the teeth. In both instances extraction can eliminate the
teeth that are causing problems and prevent infection from spreading to
surrounding teeth.
Teeth extraction is almost always necessary when people
mature and start to grow wisdom teeth between the ages of 15 and 20.
When wisdom teeth appear the repercussions can include pain,
infection and swelling of the gums so most dentists will recommend that these
teeth be extracted as soon as possible to avoid complications. In serious cases
without teeth extraction there is a chance that wisdom teeth will become
impacted which means that the tooth is attempting to grow, but has no room to
do so. Impacted molars can destroy other teeth and lead to the build-up of
bacteria, plaque and in some cases cysts, tumors and various diseases.
Like impacted molars, teeth that have been damaged or
loosened by gum disease and decay can also spread infection so it is important
to have them extracted as soon as a problem becomes evident.
During the extraction of teeth a general or local anesthetic
will be used depending on how severe the problem is and how many teeth need to
be removed. If the problem is serious the patient is usually sedated using
general anesthetic so that they can remain groggy throughout the extraction. After
the necessary teeth have been extracted wounds are usually stitched up to aid
in the healing process.
After teeth have been extracted most patients are reminded
not to smoke, but they are reminded to eat soft foods, to take painkillers as
necessary and to rinse with salt water throughout the day in an attempt to keep
swelling and pain at bay.
Like most other procedures, there are a few risks when it
comes to teeth extraction. Patients may experience a painful condition called
dry socket if the blood clot in their healing tooth socket becomes dislodged. Tooth
extraction can also cause harmful bacteria to get into the bloodstream so people
with heart trouble or liver disease may experience severe repercussions. Though
these side effects are relatively rare, each person considering having a tooth
extracted must be aware of the risks involved.
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