What You Need To Know About Having A Tooth Extracted
At Lakeview Family Dentistry, our foremost priority is the well-being and care of our patients. Our team of proficient professionals is devoted to ensuring a dental experience that is both comfortable and stress-free. We are unwavering in our commitment to delivering compassionate and personalized attention, coupled with gentle and precise care, earning us the trust and respect of our patients.
While our main objective is to preserve the natural integrity of your smile, there are situations where tooth extraction becomes imperative 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 referred to as a "baby" tooth, may experience severe decay or damage. Typically, baby teeth naturally fall out as permanent teeth emerge, but in some cases, a baby tooth remains firmly attached to the bone. This situation can arise if the roots of the baby tooth fail to shrink as expected or if the baby tooth becomes fused to the supporting bone. Prolonged retention of baby teeth can adversely impact the development and alignment of your child's smile. As we monitor your child's smile during their growth, we will advise you on the necessity of removing a baby tooth to facilitate the proper emergence of the permanent tooth.
- Severe decay in a tooth that cannot be restored poses a significant concern. Untreated defects on the outer enamel layer can gradually compromise the healthy tooth structure, reaching the inner layers. Neglecting a cavity may result in irreversible nerve damage, dental infection, and severe consequences for oral health and overall well-being. In instances where a tooth has sustained extensive structural damage and restoration is unfeasible, dental extraction may become necessary.
- A tooth experiencing severe fracture or cracking beyond repair presents a challenge. Various forms of chips, cracks, and fractures can affect teeth, and the extent of damage determines the feasibility of salvaging the tooth. If too much tooth structure or the root is compromised, extraction may become unavoidable.
- Wisdom teeth that are misaligned, affected by other teeth, or decayed warrant attention. Also known as third molars, wisdom teeth are the last permanent teeth to emerge, often causing issues like insufficient space, improper development, severe decay, or problems for adjacent teeth and tissues. While wisdom tooth extraction may be recommended for older individuals, addressing problematic or potentially troublesome third molars is frequently advised in young adults at an earlier stage.
- Overcrowded teeth resulting from a mismatch between tooth size and jaw size can lead to misalignment. When the upper and lower jaws lack sufficient space for all permanent teeth, achieving a well-aligned, attractive, healthy, and functional bite may necessitate the removal of specific 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 have confidence in our office's commitment to delivering optimal care. Our dentist will commence the process by reviewing both your medical and dental histories, engaging in discussions about any specific considerations for your treatment.
It is crucial to disclose any existing medical conditions or medications you are presently taking. In certain circumstances, additional precautions such as antibiotics or a modification in medication may be deemed necessary. A medical clearance might also be required. It is imperative to adhere to all pre-surgical instructions, and if you are feeling unwell or experiencing any symptoms on the day of your surgery, please inform us promptly.
Our primary objective is to alleviate anxiety and ensure your comfort throughout the tooth extraction procedure. Ahead of the surgery, we will address any medical concerns or precautions and furnish you with comprehensive pre-surgical instructions. Additionally, we will discuss post-surgical recommendations, including the potential replacement of the extracted tooth or teeth, presenting the best options for your ongoing care.
To accurately evaluate the tooth and determine the appropriate extraction method, we will conduct a thorough examination and employ digital radiographs as necessary. Extractions are typically categorized as either "simple" or "surgical extractions."
What Is A Simple Extraction?
If the tooth is readily visible in the mouth, and its root structure is not unusually hooked, fused to the surrounding bone, or presenting any other abnormalities, it qualifies as a simple extraction. Our dentist will apply a local anesthetic to numb the tooth and the surrounding tissues. Subsequently, they will delicately loosen any connected periodontal tissues and employ forceps to extract the tooth. Ensuring your comfort and relaxation during every dental procedure remains our top priority.
What Is A Surgical Extraction?
In instances where your teeth are significantly damaged, fused to the jawbone, or trapped, a surgical extraction typically becomes imperative. In such situations, we may refer you to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon specializing in this procedure. A surgical extraction involves making a small incision in the soft tissues, facilitating the precise removal of the overlying bone to achieve improved access to the tooth. As with any tooth extraction, patients receive a local anesthetic to ensure complete numbness of the affected tooth and the surrounding area.