When Should a Tooth Be Extracted?

When wisdom teeth erupt over the gumline, they can cause damage to adjacent molars. If there is not enough room for them to grow, the board-certified professionals at MINT dentistry may recommend a tooth extraction. In fact, there are many reasons why patients would require tooth removal, including dental trauma or tooth decay. Even though the thought of getting a tooth pulled sounds overwhelming, our dentists can make the process as easy and pain-free as possible.

So, how do you know when a tooth should be extracted? At MINT dentistry, we usually suggest extraction when there is no opportunity to save or preserve the natural tooth. This procedure can prevent damage to the adjacent teeth and decrease your risk of oral disease. Tooth extraction also has the added benefit of easing dental pain or discomfort. Learn more about the positive aspects of tooth extraction by scheduling an appointment at our clinic in the Dallas and Houston, TX areas.

Why do I need a tooth extraction?

Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that usually develop in teenagers or adults at around ages 17 – 21, although they can erupt at any age. Sometimes, these teeth are a valuable asset when properly spaced out. But if the jaw doesn’t have enough room for the molars, the other teeth begin to shift out of balance. This misalignment can result in pain or inflammation, along with other oral health issues. In this case, the experts at MINT dentistry can perform a tooth extraction in our office. You can rest assured that tooth extraction is a routine procedure that we regularly perform for our patients.

There are other reasons why someone would require a tooth extraction. Some adolescents may have baby teeth that do not fall out on their own. As a result, the permanent teeth are blocked from coming into their natural positions in the jawline. This situation can lead to the same misalignment issues as having a wisdom tooth. If a tooth is broken or damaged from decay and cannot be repaired with a crown or dental filling, these patients may also benefit from an extraction. When you visit MINT dentistry for a consultation, we can help you determine if you are a candidate for tooth extraction or if we can preserve the natural tooth in a different way.

How does wisdom tooth extraction work?

The professional staff at MINT dentistry can perform a tooth extraction at our offices in the Dallas and Houston, TX area. Extractions are performed in our facility under general anesthesia so patients can feel as comfortable as possible. If you have any dental anxieties, let our team know so we can serve your unique needs. An extraction uses cutting-edge tools to gently remove the tooth from the gumline. The tooth may need to be broken down into smaller pieces to be removed more easily. We will then finish the surgery by closing the incision in the gums and placing gauze over the extraction site.

What happens after my wisdom tooth extraction?

Recovery after wisdom tooth extraction can last from a few days to a few weeks based on your oral health. Patients may experience some minor bleeding, which can be controlled with gauze pads. One of the professionals at MINT dentistry will provide specific instructions about how to take care of yourself during recovery. Cold compresses and simple pain medication can help with problems, such as swelling. Rinsing with warm salt water can also provide some relief.

Most people prefer to eat liquids and soft foods for several days after getting rid of their wisdom teeth. Avoid brushing your teeth next to the extraction site or eating foods that require chewing or sucking on straws until you have been cleared by your dentist. Be careful to protect the wound from infection and allow the new tissue to grow successfully. We also ask that you attend any follow-up appointments at our dental facility, as well as any examinations and cleanings, so we can continue to monitor your oral health.

Schedule a dental consultation

Do you experience discomfort as a result of a wisdom tooth? Do you have a damaged or decayed tooth that needs attention? The board-certified dentists at MINT Dentistry are dedicated to your complete oral health. We can help determine if you require a tooth extraction. Our staff uses the latest in diagnostic tools and procedures to save you from pain or inflammation. If you would like to learn more about wisdom tooth extraction or our other dental procedures, reach out to our clinic in the Dallas and Houston, TX area. Patients with dental fears can ask about our many sedation options to keep them calm and relaxed during the procedure.