The key to good oral health starts with routine brushing and flossing. But even if you brush and floss regularly, you might still need special attention in the form of a tooth extraction procedure, which removes unhealthy teeth from the gums and jaw.
Be sure to consult our dentist immediately if you have any tooth problems. The longer you wait, the more complicated the procedure will likely be, so it is better to get started sooner rather than later. Here at Robert H. Peterson DDS, our dentist can treat your teeth professionally.
Swollen Gums
If you have puffy, red, or hard gums, it is time to schedule an appointment with a dentist. Swollen gums could be signs of gingivitis, which occurs when bacteria in plaque buildup irritates and inflames gum tissue. Gingivitis can eventually cause periodontitis, an advanced form of gum disease, if not treated and can lead to tooth loss. You may need to have your tooth extracted before the periodontal disease takes hold.
Pain While Chewing
The dentist will check your mouth and teeth using x-rays and identify any problems that are present. If the dentist discovers a problem, such as an impacted tooth, we may recommend that you have an extraction procedure. If left untreated, you can experience severe pain, so extraction should be considered as soon as possible and when necessary.
Extraction procedures can be uncomfortable, but it is often the best option for eliminating toothaches and gum infections if the tooth is otherwise not treatable. Dental extractions do not cause long-term harm, but proper aftercare is essential for preventing infections and pain from reoccurring. A dentist may prescribe antibiotics in some cases if healing is delayed or infected gums are present after surgery has taken place.
Blood In the Mouth
One of several signs that you might need an extraction procedure is blood in your mouth. There are a few reasons why you may have blood in your mouth. The most common reason is an impacted tooth. Impacted teeth can lead to all sorts of dental problems, including decay and abscesses. Other signs of an impacted tooth include difficulty opening your mouth fully and swelling in your gums. Do not try to pull out your tooth if it is loose. Instead, schedule an appointment with our dentist about having us remove it professionally and safely.
Unattended Toothache
Toothaches are extremely painful, and if your tooth is hurting, we recommend you come in and see us so we can determine what is going on. We will always try to preserve your tooth first, but if it is not treatable with other procedures we will arrange to have it pulled.
What Happens After Extraction?
After a tooth extraction, you have several options to restore your smile. These include dental implants, dental bridges, or partial dentures, depending on your specific needs. Our team will guide you in selecting the best option for you.
If you have a tooth in question, contact 503-635-3438 today to schedule an appointment!
