Whenever people feel pain and discomfort because of their tooth, one of the most heard lines is, “I want to get my tooth out!” But it’s not as easy as it seems.
Tooth extraction is a procedure done for many reasons—maybe your dentist recommends you get it done because of severe decay, infection, gum disease, or crowding. Because of that, getting a tooth extracted can also bring up concerns about how it will impact your mouth in the long run.
So, how does it really affect your oral health?
Let’s tackle that bit by bit.
What is Tooth Extraction?
Before we understand how tooth extraction affects oral health, let’s first understand what it is and why you may need one.
Tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth from its socket in the jawbone. As easy as it sounds, this procedure can either be simple or surgical, depending on the condition of the tooth and its position in the mouth.
A simple extraction is performed on visible teeth using forceps, while a surgical extraction is needed for impacted teeth, requiring an incision into the gum—like a wisdom tooth extraction.
Why Do You Need a Tooth Extraction?
Dentists do not recommend getting your teeth out right away just because it’s throbbing or in pain. In fact, dentists would likely recommend doing other dental treatments and ensuring you keep your natural teeth.
If your natural teeth can still be salvaged, your dentists will have to exhaust all the options first. If not, then that’s the time they may advise to get a tooth extraction. There are several reasons why your dentist may recommend getting a tooth extracted, including:
- Severe Decay or Damage – When a tooth is too damaged to be saved with a filling or crown, extraction may be the best option.
- Gum Disease – Advanced periodontal disease can cause teeth to loosen, requiring extraction.
- Overcrowding – In some cases, removing a tooth can help create space for proper alignment, especially before orthodontic treatment.
- Infection or Abscess – A severely infected tooth that does not respond to treatment may need to be removed to prevent further complications.
- Impacted Wisdom Teeth – If a wisdom tooth is stuck under the gum or growing at an incorrect angle, extraction may be necessary to prevent pain and damage to other teeth.
How Tooth Extraction Impacts Your Oral Health
Does tooth extraction impact your oral health?
Definitely yes!
While it is true that your dentist would want to exhaust all your options before pulling your tooth out, tooth extraction could still be deemed the best option to get your oral health back and thriving again.
However, their impact on your oral health can be positive or negative. Let’s take a look at each one.
1. Changes in Bite and Alignment
When one of your teeth is out, it causes changes in your teeth’s bite and alignment. Your teeth work together to provide balance and stability to your bite. When a tooth is removed, the surrounding teeth may start shifting into the empty space over time, sometimes leading to misalignment or bite issues.
Solution: If the extracted tooth was in a visible or functionally important area, your dentist might recommend a replacement option, such as a dental implant, bridge, or partial denture, to maintain proper alignment.
2. Bone Loss in the Jaw
Our teeth are a functional part of our body, more than what they can provide aesthetically. A missing tooth can cause the jawbone in that area to deteriorate because it no longer receives stimulation from chewing. This is known as bone resorption because it reabsorbs the bone structure, and over time, it can affect the shape of your jaw and face.
Solution: Dental implants can help preserve bone density by acting like natural tooth roots, stimulating the jawbone and preventing shrinkage.
3. Increased Risk of Gum Problems
When a gap is left behind after extraction and does not have proper aftercare, it can create areas where food and bacteria can accumulate, which would increase the risk of gum infections and disease.
Solution: Proper oral hygiene, including regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups, can help prevent infections and maintain gum health.
4. Difficulty Chewing and Speaking
Depending on the location of the extracted tooth, you may experience temporary difficulty in chewing food properly or speaking clearly.
Solution: If you find it challenging to eat or speak after an extraction, your dentist can suggest a tooth replacement option to restore function.
Maintaining Oral Health After a Tooth Extraction
After your tooth extraction, make sure to take the right steps to help minimise any negative effects and keep your mouth healthy.
1. Follow Post-Extraction Care Instructions
Your dentist will most likely provide specific aftercare instructions after your extraction procedure. For us at Bellevue Hill Dental, this may include:
- Avoiding hard or crunchy foods for a few days
- Keeping the extraction site clean and free from debris
- Avoiding smoking or using a straw, which can dislodge the healing blood clot
2. Consider Tooth Replacement Options
If the extracted tooth was essential for chewing or appearance, your dentist may recommend options like:
- Dental Implants – A long-term solution that replaces the tooth root with a small post, which will prevent bone loss.
- Dental Bridges – A fixed option that fills the gap and maintains tooth alignment.
- Dentures – A removable option for replacing multiple missing teeth.
3. Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Even after a tooth extraction, caring for your remaining teeth and gums is essential to prevent further dental issues.
- Brush and floss daily to keep your gums and teeth healthy.
- Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings.
- Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals that support oral health.
The Final Word on Tooth Extraction and Your Oral Health
Getting a tooth extracted doesn’t mean your oral health will suffer, but it does require proper care and attention to avoid complications. Understanding the potential effects of tooth extraction on oral health lets you become more proactive when it comes to your oral health and smile.
If you want to enjoy your teeth for a long time or are considering getting a tooth extraction done, our dentists at Bellevue Hill Dental are happy to share more wisdom about your oral health!
Book a consultation today to discuss your best course of action for a healthier, well-balanced smile.
