What You Need To Know About Having A Tooth Extracted
At Lakeview Family Dentistry, our patients' care and well-being are our top priority. Our team of skilled professionals is committed to providing a comfortable and stress-free dental experience. We strive to deliver compassionate and personalized attention, along with gentle and precise care, earning the respect and trust of our patients.
Although our main focus is on preserving the integrity of your natural smile, there are situations where tooth extraction may be 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 baby tooth may suffer from decay or damage if it does not naturally fall out as the permanent tooth emerges. In some cases, a baby tooth may remain firmly attached to the bone due to inadequate root shrinkage or fusion with the supporting bone. This prolonged retention can affect the development and alignment of a child's smile. We will closely monitor your child's dental growth and recommend removing a baby tooth if necessary to ensure proper emergence of permanent teeth.
If a severely decayed tooth is not able to be saved, it can have negative effects on your oral health. If a small cavity is left untreated, it can worsen and lead to irreversible nerve damage and infection. Ignoring cavities can result in serious consequences for your oral health. In cases of extensive damage where restoration is not possible, a 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 remaining tooth structure to save. If the damage is too severe and compromises too much of the tooth or root, extraction may 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 such as lack of space, improper growth, severe decay, or issues for surrounding teeth and tissues. While older individuals may also require wisdom tooth extraction, it is commonly recommended for young adults who are experiencing problems with these molars.
Having overcrowded teeth due to a discrepancy in tooth and jaw size can cause a crowded and misaligned smile. In these situations, removing specific permanent teeth may be required as part of an orthodontic treatment to achieve a well-aligned, attractive, healthy, and functional bite.
How is a tooth extraction performed?
Our office is dedicated to providing top-notch care for dental extractions, no matter the reason. Our dentist will carefully review your medical and dental histories and discuss any special considerations for your treatment.
Please make sure to inform us of any medical conditions or medications you are taking, as this information is crucial for your care. In some cases, extra precautions or changes in medication may be necessary, and a medical clearance may be required. It is important to follow all pre-surgical instructions and let us know if you are feeling unwell on the day of your surgery.
Our main priority is to minimize anxiety and ensure your comfort during the extraction process. We will address any medical concerns or precautions before the procedure and provide you with detailed pre-surgical instructions. Additionally, we will discuss post-surgical recommendations, including options for replacing the extracted tooth or teeth.
To accurately assess the tooth and determine the appropriate extraction method, we will conduct a thorough examination and take digital radiographs as needed. Extractions are typically classified as either "simple" or "surgical extractions."
What Is A Simple Extraction?
If the tooth is easily seen in the mouth and the root structure is not abnormally hooked, fused to the surrounding bone, or showing any other unusual characteristics, it is considered a simple extraction. Our dentist will use 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 top priority is to make sure you are comfortable and relaxed during every dental procedure.
What Is A Surgical Extraction?
If your teeth are severely damaged, fused to the jawbone, or impacted, a surgical extraction may be necessary. In these cases, we may recommend you to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon who is experienced in this type of procedure. During a surgical extraction, a small incision is made in the soft tissues to allow for the precise removal of the bone covering the tooth. Like with any tooth extraction, patients will receive a local anesthetic to ensure the affected tooth and surrounding area are completely numb.