If possible, a dentist will always seek to save a patient’s natural tooth. However, in cases where a tooth is broken, decayed, or infected beyond repair, the damaged tooth must be removed in the interest of both short-term comfort and long-term oral health.
Today, we’re looking at tooth extractions and the vital role that they can play in ensuring a patient’s oral health.
What Is a Tooth Extraction?
A tooth extraction is the removal of a patient’s damaged tooth by a dental surgeon. Prior to the procedure, an anesthetic is applied, either via a topical numbing agent or injection, to the area surrounding the tooth to be extracted. Once the area is numb, the dentist drills a hole into the tooth and gradually widens it until the entire root of the tooth can be removed from its socket within the jawbone.
When Are Tooth Extractions Required?
The need for an extraction can be attributed to one of a variety of reasons. The most common among these include:
- Impacted third molars (or wisdom teeth)
- Tooth decay
- Infection
- Advanced gum disease
- Tooth breakage resulting from trauma or impact
- Creating space for orthodontic treatment or dentures
The Broader Health Benefits of Tooth Extractions
We know that tooth extractions alleviate physical discomfort in the immediate term and contribute to long-term dental health. However, what’s less frequently discussed is the range of benefits that tooth extractions can offer a patient’s overall health.
First, the removal of severely infected teeth prevents the spread of infection to the surrounding tissues, the jawbone, and other parts of the body. Additionally, the extraction of overcrowded teeth can help with proper alignment and bite function, which, in turn, can promote proper chewing of food, which improves digestion and nutrient absorption, and help prevent jawbone disorders.
In short, while tooth extractions are most often associated (rightfully) with strong oral health, it’s vital to understand the role that they can play in promoting overall well-being.
Dental Extractions in Burnaby, BC
If you’re in the Burnaby area and think that you might be in need of a dental extraction, contact dentist Dr. Roger Chan and the team at Central Park Dental to schedule a consultation appointment.