Tooth Extractions in West Houston: A Comprehensive Guide

Sometimes a tooth may be so damaged that it must be removed. During dental extractions the dentist can provide nitrous oxide or a general anesthetic to ensure patient comfort.

After the extractions west houston, it’s important for a blood clot to form to stop bleeding and begin healing. To promote clot formation, bite firmly on a piece of gauze for 30 to 45 minutes after the appointment.

Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is a serious dental condition that results from bacteria (especially Streptococcus mutans) that live in your mouth. These bacteria convert sugar from food and drink into acids that eat away at your teeth. The bacteria live in a sticky substance called plaque. If this isn’t removed, it hardens into tartar and erodes your teeth over time.

In its early stages, tooth decay is often reversible with better diet, oral hygiene and regular dental visits. Saliva can deposit minerals back onto the enamel, and fluoride can help repair damaged areas of a tooth.

But if a cavity is allowed to progress, your tooth will eventually feel sensitive when you eat or drink hot, cold or sweet foods. You may also experience a toothache that is constant or worsens when you chew. If the decay reaches the dentin and pulp, it will cause an infection.

Gum Disease

Gum disease is a condition that affects the tissue and bone that supports your teeth. It has different stages, the earliest being gingivitis. This stage is characterized by red and swollen gums that bleed easily when brushing or flossing.

This stage is reversible with professional treatment and good oral hygiene habits. However, if you don’t treat it, gingivitis can advance to periodontitis and lead to tooth loss.

Symptoms of gum disease include persistent bad breath, pus between the teeth and gums, gums that recede from the teeth making them appear longer, loose teeth or changes in the way your teeth fit together when you bite. Treatment for gum disease includes removing tartar (calculus) and plaque from beneath the gums, deep cleaning your teeth and gums, and antibacterial medicine.

Impacted Teeth

When a tooth grows in the wrong way, it can be impacted. This usually happens with wisdom teeth or canines (cuspids).

Tooth impaction causes throbbing pain that doesn’t go away. You might also have red or swollen gums that bleed when you brush or floss. Swollen lymph nodes in your neck might also appear and you might have bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth.

Oftentimes, impacted teeth need to be removed. Your oral surgeon will numb the area with a local anesthetic before removing the tooth from its socket. After the procedure, you should put pressure on the socket with a roll of gauze or a piece of clean cloth for several hours to encourage a blood clot to form. You should also avoid smoking or vigorous exercise.

Pre-Prosthetic Extractions

When a tooth is beyond restoration due to severe decay, the dentist may recommend that it be extracted. This is to relieve pain and prevent the spread of infection to surrounding teeth, the gums, and the jawbone.

Some studies indicate that a significant amount (21.5%) of extractions are performed for prosthetic indications. Kalauz, Prpic-Mehicic & Katanec (2009) conducted a study in a dental school clinic that found this to be the case. Independent variables included age, sex, type of tooth (incisors, canines, premolars, and molars), and arch.

A skilled oral surgeon can provide an alternative to extractions west houston  by replacing the tooth with a dental implant. This will minimize the time that your jawbone remains exposed and can even avoid the need for bone grafting.

Emergency Extractions

Emergency tooth extractions are performed on an expedited basis to relieve painful or dangerous dental symptoms that cannot wait for a scheduled procedure. These include severe tooth decay, knocked out or fractured teeth, untreated infection and other conditions that pose a risk to your overall oral health.

These procedures typically involve a drill and specialized tools to break up and remove the tooth, as well as suturing the area for healing. Surgical extractions are performed on impacted wisdom teeth, fractured or broken teeth below the gum line and other complex cases.

Symptoms that indicate the need for emergency extractions west houston  include severe pain, swelling and bleeding that does not subside. These symptoms can also affect the surrounding teeth and jaw bone. Recognizing and treating these conditions promptly can prevent serious complications including large intraoral hematomas that threaten the patient’s life.