My family's dental health is important to me. Unfortunately for me, it is not as important to my little ones. Getting my kids to brush and floss on a daily basis is almost like taking on an obstacle course. I talked to my family's dentist about different methods I could try to encourage them to brush and floss on a regular basis. Some of the tricks worked, some did not. After some experimentation and talking to other parents, I was able to come up with a lot of great tips for helping kids care for their teeth. I started this blog to help other parents get creative when it comes to their kids and dental care.
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A Guide to Creatively Handling a Child's Dental Health
When Should You See a Dentist for a Tooth Extraction?
Bella Snyder
Tooth extraction, or the removal of a tooth from its socket in the bone, is a common dental procedure. It may be necessary when a tooth is severely damaged, decayed, infected, or impacted. However, not all dental problems require tooth extraction. Here are some signs and symptoms that may indicate the need for a tooth extraction.
Severe Tooth Pain
If you have severe tooth pain that does not go away with over-the-counter painkillers or home remedies, it may be a sign that your tooth is severely damaged or infected. In some cases, a root canal treatment may be sufficient to save the tooth. However, if the damage is too extensive or the infection is too severe, the tooth may need to be extracted. Your dentist can examine your tooth and recommend the best course of action.
Crowded Teeth
If your teeth are overcrowded, it can cause several dental problems, such as crooked teeth, bite problems, gum disease, and tooth decay. In some cases, tooth extraction may be necessary to create space for other healthy teeth to shift into their proper position. Your dentist may also recommend orthodontic treatment, such as braces or aligners, to realign your teeth and improve your dental health.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Third molars, commonly referred to as wisdom teeth, typically erupt during the late teenage years or early twenties. However, they may not have enough space to grow properly, causing pain, infection, decay, or damage to adjacent teeth. In such cases, your dentist may recommend wisdom teeth extraction. It is essential to address impacted wisdom teeth promptly, as they can lead to more severe dental problems if left untreated.
Trauma or Injury
If you have suffered trauma or injury to your tooth, such as a fracture or a deep crack, it may not be possible to save the tooth with a filling or a crown. In such cases, tooth extraction may be necessary to prevent further damage and infection. Your dentist can evaluate the extent of the injury and recommend the best course of action.
Gum Disease
Gum disease, or periodontitis, is a severe infection of the gums and the bone that supports the teeth. In advanced cases, it can cause the teeth to become loose or fall out on their own. In such cases, your dentist may recommend tooth extraction to prevent further spread of the infection and preserve your oral health. It is important to address gum disease early on to prevent it from progressing to advanced stages.
Tooth extraction is not always necessary for dental problems, but there are some cases when it may be the best course of action to preserve your oral health. Contact a dentist near you to learn more.
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