What You Need To Know About Having A Tooth Extracted
At Lakeview Family Dentistry, our foremost priority is the care and well-being of our patients. Our team of proficient professionals is devoted to ensuring a comfortable and stress-free dental experience. We are steadfast in delivering compassionate and personalized attention, along with gentle and precise care, which has garnered the respect and trust of our patients.
While our main objective is to preserve the integrity of your natural smile, there are situations where tooth extraction becomes necessary to safeguard your oral health and overall well-being.
There are various common reasons for which our office may suggest tooth extraction.
An over-retained deciduous tooth, commonly known as a "baby" tooth, can become severely decayed or damaged. Typically, a baby tooth naturally falls out as the permanent tooth emerges. However, there are instances when a baby tooth remains firmly attached to the bone due to insufficient root shrinkage or fusion to the supporting bone. Prolonged retention of baby teeth can impact the development and alignment of a child's smile. As we monitor your child's dental growth, we will advise on the necessity of removing a baby tooth to facilitate proper permanent tooth emergence.
A tooth with severe decay that cannot be restored poses risks to overall oral health. If left untreated, a small defect on the enamel layer can progress, damaging healthy tooth structure and reaching inner layers, causing irreversible nerve damage and dental infection. Neglecting a cavity can have serious consequences for oral health. In cases of extensive structural damage where restoration is not feasible, dental extraction may be required.
A tooth with severe fractures or cracks that cannot be repaired may necessitate extraction. Various forms of damage, depending on severity, determine if sufficient remaining tooth structure allows for salvage. If the damage compromises too much tooth structure or the root, extraction might be the only viable option.
Wisdom teeth that are improperly positioned, affected by other teeth, or decayed may require extraction. These third molars can face issues such as lack of space, improper development, severe decay, or problems for adjacent teeth and tissues. While wisdom tooth extraction may be advised for older individuals, it is often recommended for young adults experiencing issues with these molars.
Overcrowded teeth, resulting from a mismatch between tooth and jaw size, can lead to a crowded and misaligned smile. In such cases, removal of certain permanent teeth may be necessary as part of an orthodontic treatment plan to achieve a well-aligned, attractive, healthy, and functional bite.
How is a tooth extraction performed?
Regardless of the reasons for requiring a dental extraction, rest assured that our office is dedicated to providing the best possible care. Our dentist will begin by reviewing your medical and dental histories, discussing any special considerations for your treatment.
It's crucial to inform us of any existing medical conditions or medications you are currently taking. In certain situations, extra precautions such as antibiotics or a change in medication may be necessary. A medical clearance may also be required. Please adhere to all pre-surgical instructions and notify us if you feel unwell or experience any symptoms on the day of your surgery.
Our primary goal is to minimize anxiety and ensure your comfort during a tooth extraction. Before the procedure, we will discuss any medical concerns or precautions and provide you with pre-surgical instructions. Post-surgical recommendations, including the possibility of replacing the extracted tooth or teeth, and the best options for your care will also be discussed.
To accurately assess the tooth and determine the type of extraction needed, we will conduct a thorough examination and take digital radiographs as necessary. Extractions are typically categorized as either "simple" or "surgical extractions."
What Is A Simple Extraction?
When the tooth is easily visible in the mouth and the root structure is not abnormally hooked, fused to the surrounding bone, or otherwise unusual, it is considered a simple extraction. Our dentist will administer a local anesthetic to numb the tooth and surrounding tissues. They will then gently loosen any attached periodontal tissues and use forceps to remove the tooth. Our priority is your comfort and relaxation during every dental procedure.
What Is A Surgical Extraction?
If your teeth are severely damaged, fused to the jawbone, or impacted, a surgical extraction is usually necessary. In such cases, we may recommend you to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon who specializes in this procedure. During a surgical extraction, a small cut is made in the soft tissues, allowing for precise removal of the overlying bone to gain better access to the tooth. Like any tooth extraction, patients are given a local anesthetic to ensure complete numbness of the affected tooth and the surrounding area.