What Is the Most Common Problem After Tooth Extraction?

What Is a Tooth Extraction?

It is a dental procedure for removing a tooth from its socket in the jawbone. Tooth extractions near you are performed by a general dentist or surgeon, usually depending on the type of extraction.

There are two types of tooth extractions:

1. A simple extraction – is for a visible tooth that can be easily removed with forceps. The dentist typically uses a unique tool to loosen the tooth from the jawbone, then use forceps to gently remove it from the socket.
2. A surgical extraction – is usually ideal for teeth not easily accessible due to location, position, or structure. The extraction entails a minute incision on the gums to remove some bone tissue that will grant access to the underlying tooth for extraction. Most surgical extractions are performed by oral surgeons.

Why Are Tooth Extractions So Prevalent?

Although they are pretty common, tooth removals near you are not nearly as prevalent as some people may think. In fact, all dentists aim to preserve natural teeth and resort to tooth extraction as a last resort, usually when all other treatment options have been exhausted. However, some few cases necessitate a tooth extraction, including:

1. Severe tooth decay – advanced decay causes significant damage to the tooth structure, making it hardly possible to save the tooth with a filling or crown.
2. Advanced gum disease – damages the tooth-supporting structures, weakening teeth to become loose, requiring extraction.
3. Impacted wisdom teeth – wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last teeth to develop. They often do not have enough room to fully emerge. It can cause pain, infection, and damage to surrounding teeth, requiring extraction.
4. Orthodontic treatment – in some cases, teeth require extraction to make room for the rest to align properly through orthodontic appliances, correcting crowding or misalignment issues.
5. Trauma or injury – it may not be possible to save a severely damaged tooth due to trauma or injury.

Are There Benefits to Tooth Extractions?

While tooth extractions are typically considered a last resort and dentists in Chantilly, VA, aim to preserve natural teeth whenever possible, it still is a procedure where with potential benefits, including:

1. Pain relief: If a tooth is causing significant pain, removing it offers immediate relief.
2. Preventing infection: If a tooth is infected and antibiotics have not been effective, extracting it prevents the infection from spreading to other teeth and throughout the body.
3. Create space in your mouth for proper teeth alignment and prevent further orthodontic issues
4. Improve oral function by removing impacted teeth that cause pain, infection, and damage to surrounding teeth
5. Prevent future dental problems and preserve the health of surrounding teeth.

What Is the Second Most Common Problem in Dentistry?

It is hard to categorize problems as the most common or popular than the others. Generally, our dental team at Chantilly Dental Arts Center has identified a few of the most common problems that our dentists deal with frequently, including the following:

1. Cavities and tooth decay affect people of all ages. They are caused by bacteria in the mouth that produce acids that erode the tooth enamel, leading to a cavity.
2. Gum disease – is an infection of the tissues that support your teeth, caused by bacteria in plaque built up on teeth. If left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss.
3. Tooth sensitivity – is a problem caused by many factors, including tooth decay, gum recession, and teeth grinding.
4. Toothaches – can be caused by many issues, including cavities, gum disease, cracked teeth, and tooth abscesses.
5. Broken or chipped teeth – often due to trauma or injury
6. Bad breath – also known as Halitosis. It is often caused by poor oral hygiene, gum disease, tooth decay, and certain medical conditions. It can be embarrassing, impacting self-confidence.
7. Tooth discoloration – can be caused by various factors, such as poor oral hygiene, certain medications, aging, dental conditions, and consuming staining substances like red wine, coffee, tea, and tobacco. Teeth may become yellow, brown, or stained, affecting your aesthetics.