There are a number of reasons you may need to have a tooth extracted, including:
- When root canal therapy is not an option or prior treatment has failed
- When one or more wisdom teeth are emerging improperly
- When severe decay has caused extensive damage
- When an injury has broken a tooth
- When periodontal disease and infection has led teeth to become loose
- When the jaw is too small to accommodate all incoming teeth
Preserving teeth with root canal therapy is typically preferred to extraction. If removing one or more teeth is necessary and needs replacement, dental implants can be used to ensure continued jaw health.
An injury can cause a tooth to become completely dislodged, cracked or broken. Sometimes a crown can be used to repair a broken or cracked tooth, but if the damage is too extensive, extraction may be required.
Sometimes, extraction is necessary for young children with crowded teeth. The treatment can give the emerging teeth the room they need to grow in straight and healthy.
Advancements in Tooth Extraction Techniques
Plasma rich plasma (PRP) and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) are two treatments that use your body’s ability to heal by isolating the clotting and healing properties of your blood. The growth factor and clot promoting features used to expedite recovery after tooth extraction and also helps regenerate soft-tissue and bone.
When used in conjunction with dental implants, PRP and PRF help the implant post or artificial tooth root integrate with the jaw bone to provide faster healing and a superior outcome.
After a Tooth Extraction
If you are scheduled to have one or more teeth extracted, you want to do what you can to avoid complications such as dry socket. Sometimes after a tooth is removed, a blood clot forms in the empty space to protect the surrounding nerves and soft tissue. If the clot becomes dislodged, these areas become vulnerable to pain and infection.
These guidelines can help you heal successfully and without excessive discomfort:
Eating and Drinking – When you are ready to eat, choose soft foods and chew on the side opposite to the extraction area. Stay away from sweet, caffeinated, or alcoholic beverages and don’t drink from a straw for a week or so.
Tobacco use – Smoking and chewing tobacco can cause dry socket. While quitting all tobacco use is advised for oral and overall health, waiting 48 hours to partake in this habit, can substantially lower your risk of complications.
Cleaning the Area - Wait at least 24 hours before cleaning the area so as not to disturb the clot formation. Gently brush your other teeth, and after 24 hours has passed, rinse the empty socket gently with an antibacterial mouthwash.
Rest - Avoid vigorous physical activity, such as playing sports or engaging in strenuous activity, for about a week as this can also disrupt the healing process in the early stages.
Call Denture and Implant Center of Fresno today to Learn More
Our Fresno dentists have many years of experience performing tooth extractions and offer PRP therapy to reduce your risk of complications. We also place and restore dental implants for comprehensive treatment.