Tooth Extraction - When is it the Best Move?

If you've been thinking of getting a tooth extraction due to a recommendation from your dentist, there are a few things you should know about the process, including the reasons for extractions, and how the procedure can help you in the future.

You may also want to know how much pain you can expect to experience as a result of having the extraction, and your dentist will definitely be able to help answer your questions. But before you make your appointment, here are some things you should be aware of.

There are several reasons why you may choose to have an extraction, or the dentist recommends one for you. Many times, if you've had orthodontic services done in the past (i.e. braces, retainers) you may want to have a tooth extraction if certain teeth do not fit properly in your mouth as a result of the orthodontic treatments.

If this is the case, the tooth extraction will probably be considered cosmetic, so you'll want to check with your health insurance provider before having the procedure done so that you will know how much you can expect to pay out of your pocket. People also choose to have tooth extractions when a tooth is decayed and can not be repaired or saved without molding or fillings. In many cases, a tooth extraction is the most affordable option.

Another reason why people have tooth extractions is to get rid of wisdom teeth. This is usually because the wisdom teeth are crowding the other teeth in the mouth, and people have been known to experience frequent toothaches, irritability in the gums, headaches, and even earaches as a result of wisdom teeth growing in.

Sometimes, when wisdom teeth grow in, other teeth become disproportionate to the rest of the teeth in the mouth, and these teeth have to be removed as well. If you decide that a tooth extraction is the best thing for you to do if you're experiencing pain due to wisdom teeth, your dentist will inform you of proper oral hygiene after the procedure.

Once you make the appointment for your extraction, it is important to prepare your body to be able to handle the procedure. If you are taking any medications that thin the blood, such as aspirin, you should stop about three days before your extraction, and if you are on antibiotics, you may want to ask your doctor if you can stop taking them temporarily, since they can interfere with how well the anesthesia will work.

After your extraction, be sure to take it easy; solid foods are not allowed for at least 24 hours, and you shouldn't spit, smoke, or drink with a straw for at least a day either.

It's important to gently bite down on the gauze in your mouth in order to help form a clot, and refrain from vigorous activity and exercise for a while as well. This will help to you to recover sooner.

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