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Tooth Extractions: What You Need to Know
When the time comes to have a tooth extracted, many people find they have lots of questions. Here are some of the things you may want to know before having a tooth extracted.
Why Do Teeth Need to be Extracted?
There are four main reasons that teeth need to be extracted.
- Overcrowding: This occurs when there isn’t enough room inside your mouth for an emerging tooth, or an emerging tooth is causing damage to its neighbouring teeth. This is often a problem with wisdom teeth.
- Infection: If a decaying tooth has become infected, there’s a risk that the infection could spread. Your dentist may suggest an extraction to prevent this from happening.
- Braces: If your child needs braces, tooth extraction may be necessary to aid in the correct alignment of their adult teeth.
- Trauma: If you’ve suffered direct trauma to your teeth, you’ll need to seek emergency dental care. If the damage is bad enough, they may recommend a tooth extraction.
How Long Does it Take to Recover From a Tooth Extraction?
It’s normal to experience swelling and discomfort for the first 24 to 48 hours after a tooth extraction. This pain should, however, eventually subside and your gums may completely heal within one to two weeks of your extraction.
Can a Toothache Go Away on Its Own?
Dental pain of any kind typically indicates a more serious underlying issue. Make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible to get the treatment you need and prevent the problem from worsening.
Request an appointment with one of Panatella’s general dentists if you’re experiencing dental pain.