Do you need a tooth extraction? Are your teeth crowded, diseased, or have gone through some sort of trauma? If so, Dr. Elmer Villalon in Pueblo, CO, can help.
When would you need a tooth extraction?
There are a few reasons you may need a tooth extraction:
- Overcrowding: All, most of, or some of your teeth are overcrowded causing issues in speech, or bite.
- Damage: Any trauma from sports, or accidents, may cause severe trauma resulting in a tooth extraction.
- Infection: Extreme tooth decay eroding teeth may infect your gums and other teeth if not dealt with.
What preventative measures should I take to avoid a tooth extraction being necessary?
To reduce the chances of needing a tooth extraction from diseases, here are some preventative measures to follow:
- Floss before bed and make sure you floss between each tooth and in hard to reach places like molars.
- Stop bad or poor habits like smoking, chewing tobacco, and drinking excessive amounts of coffee and tea.
- Brush your teeth twice a day, for two minutes each, holding the brush at a 40-degree angle to improve your chances of having healthy teeth.
More About Extraction
If trauma from a sport and/or overcrowded teeth are the reason you need a tooth extraction, then your doctor will need to do the following:
- Examine the severity of the situation and schedule an appointment for the tooth extraction.
- An anesthetics will be administered before your procedure to numb your mouth.
- Your doctor will extract whatever is left of the natural tooth.
- They will stitch the extraction area and place gauze to stop bleeding, and help with blood clot formation.
How should you care for yourself after a tooth extraction?
- Don't eat or drink for a few hours.
- Rinse your mouth with warm salt water for constant disinfection, and call your Pueblo doctor if you're suffering from severe pain, it may be a dry socket (blood hasn't clotted properly).
- Don't use a straw and ice the tooth extraction area.
- Use painkillers if needed and avoid smoking, or drinking alcoholic beverage after the procedure.
If you think you need a tooth extraction and want to consult your doctor to see if the tooth is beyond saving, then you should call your Pueblo, CO, dentist today.