What You Need To Know About Having A Tooth Extracted
At Lakeview Family Dentistry, our top priority is the well-being and care of our patients. 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 the respect and trust of our patients.
Although our main goal is to preserve the integrity of your natural smile, there are instances where tooth extraction is necessary to protect 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, also known as a "baby" tooth, can suffer from severe decay or damage. Normally, a baby tooth falls out naturally when the permanent tooth comes in. However, there are cases where a baby tooth remains firmly attached to the bone because the root does not shrink enough or fuse properly with the supporting bone. Keeping baby teeth for too long can affect the development and alignment of a child's smile. As we keep an eye on your child's dental growth, we will let you know if it is necessary to remove a baby tooth in order to allow the permanent tooth to come in correctly.
If a tooth has severe decay that cannot be fixed, it can harm overall oral health. If not treated, a small enamel defect can worsen and damage the healthy tooth structure, leading to irreversible nerve damage and dental infection. Ignoring a cavity can have severe consequences for oral health. In situations where the damage is extensive and restoration is not possible, dental extraction may be necessary.
If a tooth has severe fractures or cracks that cannot be fixed, it may need to be extracted. The extent of the damage will determine if there is enough tooth structure left to save. If the damage is too extensive or affects the root, extraction might be the only option.
Wisdom teeth that are not properly positioned, impacted by other teeth, or decayed may need to be removed. These third molars can cause problems like lack of space, improper growth, extensive decay, or complications for nearby teeth and tissues. Although wisdom tooth extraction may be suggested for older individuals, it is commonly recommended for young adults who are facing problems with these molars.
When teeth are overcrowded due to a discrepancy between tooth and jaw size, it can cause a smile that is crowded and misaligned. In these situations, it may be necessary to remove specific permanent teeth as part of an orthodontic treatment plan in order to achieve a bite that is well-aligned, attractive, healthy, and functional.
How is a tooth extraction performed?
We want to assure you that our office is committed to providing the best possible care, regardless of the reasons for needing a dental extraction. Our dentist will carefully review your medical and dental histories and discuss any special considerations for your treatment.
It is important for you 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 follow all pre-surgical instructions and let us know if you feel unwell or experience any symptoms on the day of your surgery.
Our main goal is to minimize anxiety and ensure your comfort during the tooth extraction. Before the procedure, we will address 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 categorized as either "simple" or "surgical extractions."
What Is A Simple Extraction?
Our dentist will perform a simple extraction when the tooth is clearly visible in the mouth and the root structure is normal, without any abnormal hooks, fusion to the surrounding bone, or other unusual characteristics. To ensure your comfort, a local anesthetic will be administered to numb the tooth and surrounding tissues. The dentist will then gently loosen any attached periodontal tissues and use forceps to extract the tooth. Rest assured, your comfort and relaxation are our top priorities during every dental procedure.
What Is A Surgical Extraction?
If your teeth are extensively damaged, fused to the jawbone, or impacted, a surgical extraction is typically required. In these situations, 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 to allow for precise removal of the overlying bone, enabling better access to the tooth. Similar to any tooth extraction, patients receive a local anesthetic to ensure complete numbness of the affected tooth and the surrounding area.