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.ﾠ
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.
