About Tooth Extractions

Teeth that have very large cavities, are badly injured or broken or have infections in the root may need to be extracted. According to the Mayo Clinic, side effects of tooth extractions may include bleeding, pain and infections. Caring for the mouth after a tooth extraction may require saltwater rinses, avoiding chewing and a checkup with the surgeon or dentist to remove stitches.

Causes

• Causes of needing to have a tooth extracted include injury to the tooth, severe tooth decay, preparation for orthodontia and infections of the root of the tooth.

Methods

• Tooth extraction may be done by a dentist or an oral surgeon and involves making incisions into the gums to remove the tooth and then stitching the incisions closed.

Anesthesia

• According to the Mayo Clinic, either local or general anesthesia may be used during the extraction of a tooth.

Side effects

• Tooth extractions may cause side effects such as bleeding, infections, pain and dry socket, which is loss of the blood clot in the mouth that exposes the jaw bone.

Complications

• Removal of a tooth can cause shifting of the other teeth, resulting in a misaligned bite and jaw pain, but these complications can be prevented by using bridges or dental implants.

Care

• Gargling with salt water, avoiding smoking for at least 24 hours after extraction and sticking to a liquid or soft foods diet are self care techniques recommended by the Mayo Clinic for use after a tooth extraction.

Prevention/Solution

• According to the Mayo Clinic, the best way to prevent the need for a tooth extraction is to practice good dental care and have regular oral exams by a dentist.