• Tooth Decay : Tooth decay is one of the most common reasons a patient will seek help from a dentist. This vague term refers, essentially, to damage done to the enamel of your tooth. This is most common in children and young adults but as you age it will become more and more prevalent. A poor diet can lead to advanced tooth decay. Typically, a filling or dental crown will be used to improve the strength of the tooth but in cases of extreme decay extraction, an extraction is the only is the only solution.
• 2. Periodontal Disease : Periodontal disease is most commonly referred to as gum disease. This is a progressive condition that results from persistent bacterial infection underneath your gums. As the infection wears away at the bone surrounding the infected tooth the tooth will increasingly loosen causing pain and discomfort. Extraction is an effective way to fight off infection and speed up the healing process.
• 3. Trauma : Dentists don’t love hockey players for no reasons. Sometimes all that inspires the need for a tooth extraction is a bit of physical trauma. In certain accidents, you can damage your teeth enough that the healthiest and safest solution is to simply remove the damage.
• 4. Impacted Teeth : Finally, impacted teeth are among the most common reasons that a dental extraction can be pursued by a patient. When your teeth begin to crowd in your mouth, particularly during the eruption of your Wisdom Teeth, it can become necessary to have some teeth removed to make room. Removing the excess teeth prevents over-crowding and encourages a uniform smile.

What is the Process of an Extraction?

Now that you are aware of a few of the common reasons for dental extraction we can introduce you to the actual extracting process. Let’s go through the process by starting from your very first visit.

• 1. Examination : Your first visit to the dentist will involve a thorough examination in order to find out what exactly is wrong with your tooth. During this period your dental professional will look over your medical history, to an examination, and order X-Rays to assess how to move forward.
• 2. Numbing the area : To ensure you are in a comfortable position and pain-free, a dose of anesthetic will be given to you.

There are two different kinds of extractions: a simple extraction and a surgical extraction: A. Standard Extraction If your tooth is fully erupted, meaning it is not covered under your gums, we can take it out as a normal tooth extraction. No stitches required. B. Surgical Extraction If your wisdom tooth is still inside the gums and is not emerging, we’ll need to make a very small incision to remove the tooth. Once the entire tooth is removed, we will close the site with stitches.

• 3. Post-Op Care : After the extraction is complete your dental provider will give you instructions on how to care for your mouth during the recovery period, which usually lasts a few days. Typically, this involves avoiding all alcohol, smoking, and hard to chew foods. A household painkiller is typically provided as well as gauze to stem any bleeding.

Extracting Pain, Lifting Dental Health

You may think that you have to live the rest of your life with pain in your jaw or mouth. Many people end up doing just that, but you don’t. Pain should never be a default setting and with a simple call to a (03) 9395 8400 you can begin the healing process today.