Whether it is because of cosmetic or health reasons tooth extraction has become a very common procedure and most of us will go through the process someday.
Although tooth removal does imply some swelling in the area there’s no reason to be afraid of the process. Teeth removal generally is mostly done in one sitting, and the recovery time is of a few weeks at most. As with any dental procedure, you can expect some discomfort and pain but nothing that over-the-counter medication can’t handle.
There are a ton of reasons for removing a tooth, in some cases, you may need a tooth extraction for orthodontic treatment without there being decay or damage in the tooth itself. Of course, when an orthodontist recommends removing a tooth it’s done with the intention of giving you the best smile possible.
Why Would I Need to Have a Tooth Extracted?
Usually, when we think of tooth extractions the first thing to come to mind is getting a wisdom tooth removed. Although this is the main reason many teenagers and adults get their teeth extracted it is far from the only one.
Tooth decay happens when bacteria sticks to your teeth and creates an acid that damages the outer layer, called enamel. Tooth decay can cause cavities, infections, and pain and in some cases, it can damage the tooth to the point where extraction is the only solution.
Gum disease can also have a similar effect if not treated on time. Periodontal or gum disease implies inflammation of either the gums surrounding the teeth or damage to the bones and tissue around them. If left untreated the surrounding area can deteriorate to the point of complete tooth loss.
The examples are given generally occur due to a lack of proper dental hygiene and regular visits with your local dentist so always try to keep those two in check!
Do I Need to Have Teeth Removed for Braces?
Unfortunately, there are some situations that will most likely lead to tooth extraction regardless of the actions taken by the patient. Some of these issues are extreme cases of bad bites, crowded teeth, and the presence of baby teeth in patients that are planning on getting braces.
Overcrowding occurs when your teeth push each other out of alignment due to the lack of space. Because of this need for space, your orthodontist may recommend removing one or more teeth so that the remaining ones can move into their new positions.
Cases where severe over or underbite is present can be a bit more work as more teeth may need to be removed. The idea for these extreme cases is similar to the work done with crowded teeth. Your orthodontist removes a tooth or more from the lower or upper jaw so that, with the use of braces, the other teeth can retract back into the mouth, thus reducing the protrusion of either jaw.
Dentists usually remove baby teeth in order to get better results from your orthodontic treatment. On the contrary, if your teeth aren’t crowded and all your baby teeth fell already, then there is really nothing to worry about as you will probably not have to do any preemptive work in order to get your braces.
Wisdom Teeth Removal for Braces
As with most dental treatments, whether or not you have to get your wisdom teeth removed will depend on your specific situation. Some people get 4 wisdom teeth removed while others don’t even grow them. Orthodontists will decide if they extract the teeth based on the impact its growth may have on the rest of your denture.
If you have already started to develop wisdom teeth when you’re about to get braces, it’s very likely that your dentist will recommend extracting them to avoid any possible complications during the treatment. On the other hand, if you haven’t developed any yet it’s probably best to take them out as soon as they appear so you won’t throw away any progress made with your orthodontics.
What to Eat After Tooth Extraction
A soft diet for the first few days after a tooth extraction will go a long way in avoiding more swelling and pain in the area. Soft foods like soups, mashed potatoes, yogurt, and oatmeal are great for the recovery process. If chewing is absolutely necessary, don’t forget to do it as far as possible from the affected area. Healthline magazine recommends continuing the soft foods diet for a week. After this period you should incorporate hard foods slowly.
If you think you or someone you know may need a tooth extraction or have any questions about the process don’t forget to contact us here!
