Having healthy teeth is crucial for maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet. Even a minor toothache can be quite uncomfortable and can negatively impact your overall well-being. There are various reasons why toothaches occur, and sometimes the simplest solution is to undergo a tooth extraction procedure performed by a professional dentist.
Meramec Family Dentistry provides tooth extractions in Arnold, MO to alleviate tooth pain, eliminate dental infections, and help you achieve optimal oral health. Dr. Azaryas Mandefro, our reliable family dentist in Arnold, Missouri, and his team of experienced dental professionals have gathered comprehensive information about our dental extraction services. That is why we have created this post to help you understand the benefits of tooth extraction and explore common scenarios that may require this procedure.
What Is a Tooth Extraction?
A tooth extraction (also known as a surgical extraction, dental extraction, tooth pulling, wisdom tooth extractions, or tooth removal) is a dental procedure in which a tooth is removed from its socket in the jawbone. A dentist or an oral surgeon typically performs this procedure to relieve pain, prevent infection, and fix your dental issues.
It’s important to note that our dental practice considers tooth extraction as a last resort. We will always explore other options to save your tooth before recommending extraction. If you believe you may need a tooth extraction, it’s best to consult with an experienced dentist like Dr. Mandefro, who can evaluate your specific situation and provide appropriate advice and treatment.
The Biggest Benefits of a Tooth Extraction
In the worst-case scenario of dental disease or infection, tooth extraction can be the most beneficial option. Here are the advantages of undergoing dental extractions:
Minimize Dental Damage
Cavities develop due to plaque and harmful bacteria buildup in the mouth, leading to tooth decay. When a tooth is decayed or damaged, it can pose a risk to the surrounding teeth and gums. Removing the affected tooth before it causes irreversible damage to other teeth and gums can reduce or eliminate the presence of these bacteria in the mouth and preserve your oral health.
Alleviate Pain
An infected or damaged tooth can cause significant discomfort and pain, and removing the tooth may be the only solution. The extraction procedure eliminates the source of the pain by removing the affected tooth, providing relief and improving your overall well-being.
Stops The Spread Of Disease Or Infection
Dental infections, such as abscesses, can be severe and may spread to adjacent teeth and other body parts if left untreated. Tooth extraction eliminates the infected tooth, effectively stopping the infection from spreading and allowing for appropriate treatment of the affected area.
Promote Optimal Oral Health
Losing a tooth can be challenging. However, in many cases, pulling a tooth is the most effective way to prevent further damage and maintain your overall oral health. Removing a problematic tooth gives you a fresh opportunity to properly care for your oral health. It also eliminates the source of infection, decay, or pain, enabling you to maintain a healthier oral environment and prevent future complications.
Signs It’s Time To Get a Tooth Pulled
Our family dentist in Arnold, Missouri, strives to preserve natural teeth whenever possible. However, there are situations where tooth extraction becomes necessary; this includes:
Severe Tooth Decay
Extraction may be necessary when tooth decay is extensive and has caused significant damage to your tooth structure. Dr. Mandefro recommends this procedure if fillings, crowns, root canals, or other dental treatments cannot restore your tooth.
Gum Disease
Advanced gum disease (periodontal disease) can cause significant damage to the supporting structures of the teeth, leading to tooth mobility and tooth loss. In some cases, extracting severely affected teeth may be necessary to manage the disease and prevent its progression.
Impacted or Wisdom Tooth Extractions
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, often emerge in the late teens or early twenties. If these teeth do not have enough space in the jaw to fully erupt or grow in a normal position, they can become impacted (trapped) and cause pain, infection, crowding, or damage to neighboring teeth. In cases like this, Dr. Mandefro recommends scheduling an appointment for tooth extraction or wisdom teeth removal in Arnold to alleviate these problems.
Orthodontic Treatment
In some cases, tooth extraction is necessary to create space in the mouth for orthodontic treatment. Removing one or more teeth can help align the remaining teeth properly when your teeth are crowded.
Tooth Damage or Trauma
Your teeth may need to be extracted if they are severely fractured, broken, or damaged due to trauma or injury to prevent further damage or infection. This procedure is especially required if the damage extends below your gum line or compromises your tooth’s structural integrity.
Tooth Infection or Abscess
An infected tooth can cause persistent pain, swelling, and the formation of an abscess. If the damage is severe or recurrent, you may need to remove the affected teeth to eliminate the source of the infection and prevent it from spreading.
Do Tooth Extractions Hurt?
You might be wondering, “Do tooth extractions hurt? And what do I need to expect during the procedure.” However, you do not have to worry as the tooth extraction procedure is painless.
During a tooth extraction procedure at our dental office in Arnold, Missouri, Dr. Mandefro will numb your affected tooth area with a local anesthetic to ensure the treatment is painless and comfortable. However, you may feel some pressure or pulling sensations (which is natural) during the extraction process.
Dr. Mandefro may use general anesthesia to put you to sleep in more complex cases, such as impacted wisdom teeth or multiple extractions. After the extraction, he will provide post-operative instructions to promote healing and minimize pain and complications. These instructions may include avoiding certain foods, practicing good oral hygiene, and taking prescribed medications, when necessary.
Dental Restoration After Pulling A Tooth
You may experience teeth shifting after a tooth extraction if the extracted tooth is not replaced as soon as possible. Pulling a tooth leaves a free space behind where the surrounding teeth can start tilting towards, changing your teeth’s alignment, bite, and smile or leading to bone loss and premature aging.
We recommend replacing the extracted tooth with a dental implant to prevent teeth shifting after tooth extraction. Dental implants replace the extracted tooth root, create a solid foundation for dental restoration options like dental crowns, dentures, and bridges, and help you avoid issues associated with tooth loss.
Get a More Confident Smile with Our Tooth Extractions in Arnold, MO
If you’re wondering, “Where can I find an emergency dentist or one of the best dentists near me in Arnold for a quality dental extraction?” Just as you guessed, finding a reliable and experienced dentist for your tooth extraction is important to avoid complications and ensure a successful procedure.
At Meramec Family Dentistry, we understand that good and healthy dentition equals a beautiful and confident smile. That’s why we offer the best and most affordable tooth extractions in Arnold, MO to help you remove decayed, damaged, or affected teeth and restore oral health.
Our Arnold, MO dentist, Dr. Azaryas Mandefro, specializes in preventive and restorative dental procedures to ensure our patients enjoy optimal oral health and help you build confidence through your smile using advanced technology. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with us to remove your damaged tooth and restore your smile.
