Tooth extractions are sometimes needed when a tooth is badly damaged or there isn’t enough space in the mouth. Dr. Jack Zhang offers tooth extractions and wisdom teeth removal at his dental office in Cary, North Carolina. He is skilled in removing teeth safely by examining the teeth, gums, and ligaments to know exactly where to perform the procedure.
Whether you need a simple or surgical extraction, Dr. Zhang can help. We also provide general dental care for patients in Cary, NC.
Common Reasons for a Tooth Extraction
Tooth extraction may be needed for different reasons. Knowing why can help ease any worries you might have. Here are some common reasons you may need a tooth removed:
- Severe Tooth Decay: If a tooth is too damaged from decay and can’t be fixed with a pain-free filling or crown, removing it may stop the infection from spreading.
- Impacted Wisdom Teeth: When wisdom teeth don’t have enough room to come in, they can cause pain, swelling, or infection, making removal necessary.
- Gum Disease: Serious gum disease can weaken the bones that support your teeth. In some cases, removing a tooth can help protect your overall oral health.
- Creating Space for Braces: Sometimes, a dentist needs to remove teeth to make room for proper alignment during orthodontic treatment.
- Broken Teeth: Teeth that are cracked or broken beyond repair may need to be taken out to avoid more problems.
- Dental Abscesses: If a tooth has a serious infection that can’t be treated with a root canal or other methods, removing it may be the best way to stop the infection and ease the pain.
- Medical Conditions: Certain health conditions, like undergoing chemotherapy or having a weak immune system, can increase the risk of dental infections, making extractions necessary. Some heart conditions may also require extractions to prevent complications from bacteria entering the bloodstream.
- Preparing for Dentures: When getting dentures, the remaining natural teeth may need to be removed to ensure a better fit.
- Root Fractures: If a tooth is fractured below the gum line, it can cause ongoing pain and infection. In these cases, removing the tooth may be the best option.
While getting a tooth pulled may seem scary, understanding why it’s needed can help reduce anxiety. Our dental team can give you advice based on your personal needs.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last set of teeth to come in. They usually appear in the late teens or early 20s. Most people get four wisdom teeth, one in each corner of the mouth, though some may have fewer. Studies show that everyone has at least one third molar.
These molars come in later in life, at a time when people are thought to gain more wisdom and maturity. This is likely how they got the name “wisdom teeth.”
Reasons for Wisdom Teeth Removal
Many people have their wisdom teeth removed in their late teens or early 20s because these third molars can cause problems. Even if they aren’t causing issues right away, Dr. Zhang often suggests removing them to avoid future complications. Taking them out can help prevent:
- Impacted Teeth: When wisdom teeth don’t have enough space to come in, they can get stuck in the jawbone or gums. This can cause pain, swelling, and infection.
- Crowding: If there isn’t enough room for the third molars, they can push against other teeth, causing crowding and misalignment. This can mess with your bite or orthodontic work.
- Hard to Clean: Since they are so far back, wisdom teeth are hard to keep clean, which can lead to cavities and gum disease.
- Wrong Angle: Wisdom teeth might come in at an angle, even sideways, which can press on other teeth and cause discomfort.
- Cysts or Tumors: Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to cysts or tumors that can damage the jawbone and nearby teeth.
- Pain and Swelling: As wisdom teeth try to come in, they can cause severe pain, swelling, and discomfort.
Wisdom Teeth Recovery
After surgery, the effects of the anesthesia will wear off, so you’ll need someone to drive you home. It’s a good idea to take a couple of days off from work or school to recover.
Our team will give you detailed instructions for after-care. Follow the directions for any pain medicine, and use ice packs on your face to help with swelling.
Stick to soft foods for the first few days, and make sure to drink plenty of fluids. Avoid using a straw for at least a week, as the sucking motion can cause a painful condition called dry socket by dislodging the blood clot in the extraction site.
It’s also important to avoid smoking and drinking alcohol while you heal since these can slow down your recovery.
What are my Tooth Replacement Options?
If you’ve lost a tooth due to decay, damage, or injury, Dr. Zhang can help you explore your replacement options. Dental implants are the top choice for tooth replacement in Cary, North Carolina. They look and function like natural teeth and offer the most benefits for your oral health.
Dental Implants
Dental implants can replace one or more missing teeth. A metal post is placed in your jawbone, acting as the new tooth root. It will support a dental restoration.
For a single missing tooth, one implant is placed to hold a dental crown. If you’re missing several teeth in a row, two or more implants can hold a bridge. For a full arch of missing teeth, up to eight implants can secure a denture.
Fixed Dental Bridge
Dr. Zhang can replace multiple missing teeth in a row with a fixed dental bridge. The teeth next to the gap support the bridge, which doesn’t require surgery. However, the teeth on either side need to be reshaped to fit the bridge.
Removable Partial Denture
A partial denture is a non-surgical option for replacing missing teeth. It’s removable and has an acrylic and metal base with false teeth attached. The denture snaps onto your remaining teeth with clasps to hold it in place. While this option is less expensive, it may not be as stable or natural-looking as implants or bridges.
Call Kildaire Family & Cosmetic Dentistry Today
If you’re dealing with tooth pain or have wisdom teeth that might be impacted, schedule an appointment with Dr. Zhang online or call 919-823-7107. He will examine your teeth and let you know if an extraction is needed to improve your dental health.