What You Need To Know About Having A Tooth Extracted
At Lakeview Family Dentistry, we prioritize the care and well-being of our patients above all else. Our team of skilled professionals is dedicated to providing a comfortable and stress-free dental experience. We are committed to delivering compassionate and personalized attention, along with gentle and precise care, which has earned us the respect and trust of our patients.
Although our primary goal is to preserve the integrity of your natural smile, there are instances 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.
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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.
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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.
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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?
No matter the reasons for needing a dental extraction, you can trust that our office will provide the best care possible. Our dentist will start by reviewing your medical and dental histories and discussing any special considerations for your treatment.
It is important 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. We may also require a medical clearance. Please follow all pre-surgical instructions and let us know if you are feeling unwell or experiencing any symptoms on the day of your surgery.
Our main 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. We will also discuss post-surgical recommendations, including the possibility of replacing the extracted tooth or teeth and the best options for your care.
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 classified as either "simple" or "surgical extractions."
What Is A Simple Extraction?
When the tooth is easily seen 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. We prioritize your comfort and relaxation during every dental procedure.
What Is A Surgical Extraction?
If your teeth are severely damaged, fused to the jawbone, or trapped, 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.