What You Need To Know About Having A Tooth Extracted

At Lakeview Family Dentistry, our utmost priority is the care and well-being of our patients. Our team of highly skilled professionals is devoted to ensuring a comfortable and stress-free dental experience. We are unwaveringly committed to delivering compassionate and personalized attention, coupled with gentle and precise care, earning us the respect and trust of our patients.

While our primary 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 (reluctant to fall out) deciduous tooth, commonly known as a "baby" tooth, that is severely decayed or damaged. In most cases, a baby tooth will naturally fall out as the permanent tooth begins to come in. However, sometimes a baby tooth remains firmly attached to the bone. This can happen if the roots of the baby tooth do not shrink as they should, or if the baby tooth becomes fused to the supporting bone. The issue with keeping baby teeth for too long is that it can affect the development and alignment of your child's smile. As we keep an eye on your child's smile as they grow, we will let you know if and when it is necessary to remove a baby tooth to allow the permanent tooth to come in properly.

A tooth that has severe decay and cannot be restored. If a small defect on the outer enamel layer of your tooth is left untreated, it can gradually damage the healthy tooth structure and reach the inner layers. Neglecting a cavity can cause severe harm to the tooth structure, irreversible nerve damage, dental infection, and have serious consequences for your oral health and overall well-being. In cases where the tooth has suffered extensive structural damage and cannot be saved, a dental extraction might be necessary.

A tooth that has suffered severe fracture or cracking and cannot be repaired. There are various forms of chips, cracks, and fractures that can impact your teeth. The severity of the damage will determine if there is sufficient remaining tooth structure to salvage the tooth and the specific treatment needed. If too much tooth structure or the root is compromised, extraction might be necessary.

Wisdom teeth that are not in the right place, affected by other teeth, or rotten. Wisdom teeth, also called third molars, are the last set of permanent teeth to grow in the mouth and typically emerge last. However, it is common for wisdom teeth to face issues such as lack of space to come out, improper development, severe decay, or causing problems for nearby teeth and tissues. While wisdom tooth extraction may be suggested for older individuals, it is more frequently recommended to remove problematic or potentially troublesome third molars in young adults at an earlier stage.

Overcrowded Teeth When the size of the teeth doesn't match the size of the jaw, it can lead to a smile that is crowded and not aligned properly. In simpler terms, the upper and lower jaws are too small to fit all the permanent teeth. To achieve a well-aligned, attractive, healthy, and functional bite, it may be necessary to remove certain permanent teeth as part of an orthodontic treatment plan.

How is a tooth extraction performed?

Regardless of the reasons necessitating a dental extraction, you can rely on our office to deliver the highest standard of care. Our dentist will initiate the process by reviewing your medical and dental histories, engaging in discussions about any specific considerations for your treatment.

It's crucial to apprise us of any existing medical conditions or medications you are presently taking. In certain scenarios, additional precautions, such as antibiotics or a modification in medication, may be deemed necessary. A medical clearance might also be requested. Please adhere to all pre-surgical instructions, and if you feel unwell or experience any symptoms on the day of your surgery, promptly inform us.

Our primary objective is to mitigate anxiety and ensure your comfort throughout the tooth extraction procedure. Ahead of the treatment, we will address any medical concerns or precautions, furnish you with pre-surgical instructions, and discuss post-surgical recommendations. This may include exploring options for replacing the extracted tooth or teeth and determining the optimal course of care.

To precisely evaluate the tooth and ascertain the type of extraction required, we will conduct a comprehensive examination and utilize digital radiographs as needed. Extractions are typically categorized as either "simple" or "surgical extractions."

What Is A Simple Extraction?

A tooth is classified as a simple extraction when it is easily visible in the mouth, and the root structure is not abnormally hooked, fused to the surrounding bone, or presenting any other unusual characteristics. To perform this extraction, our dentist will administer a local anesthetic to numb the tooth and the surrounding tissues. Subsequently, they will gently loosen any attached periodontal tissues and utilize forceps to carefully extract the tooth. Our utmost priority is ensuring your comfort and relaxation throughout every dental procedure.

What Is A Surgical Extraction?

When teeth are severely damaged, fused to the jawbone, or trapped, a surgical extraction is typically required. In these instances, we may refer you to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon who specializes in this procedure. During a surgical extraction, a small incision is made in the soft tissues, facilitating precise removal of the overlying bone to gain better access to the tooth. Similar to any tooth extraction, patients are administered a local anesthetic to ensure complete numbness of the affected tooth and the surrounding area.