What You Need To Know About Having A Tooth Extracted
Here at Lakeview Family Dentistry, our top priority is the care and well-being of our patients. Our team of experienced professionals is focused on creating a comfortable and relaxing dental experience. We strive to provide compassionate and personalized care, earning the trust and respect of our patients. While our main goal is to maintain your natural smile, there are times when tooth extraction is needed 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, may be severely decayed or damaged. While most baby teeth naturally fall out as permanent teeth come in, sometimes a baby tooth remains firmly attached to the bone. This can occur if the roots of the baby tooth do not shrink properly or if the tooth becomes fused to the supporting bone. Keeping baby teeth for too long can impact the development and alignment of your child's smile. We will monitor your child's smile as they grow and advise you on the need to remove a baby tooth to allow the permanent tooth to come in correctly.
If a tooth has severe decay and cannot be restored, it can cause irreversible damage to the tooth structure, nerve damage, dental infection, and have serious consequences for your oral health and overall well-being. In cases of extensive structural damage where the tooth cannot be saved, a dental extraction may be necessary.
If a tooth has experienced a severe fracture or crack that cannot be fixed, there are different types of chips, cracks, and fractures that can affect your teeth. The extent of the damage will dictate whether there is enough tooth structure left to save the tooth and the appropriate treatment required. If too much of the tooth structure or the root is damaged, extraction may be required.
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, can cause problems if they are not in the correct position, impacted by other teeth, or decayed. These teeth are the last to emerge in the mouth and often face issues such as lack of space, improper development, decay, or causing problems for nearby teeth and tissues. While wisdom tooth extraction may be recommended for older individuals, it is more common to remove problematic or potentially troublesome third molars in young adults at an earlier stage.
Overcrowded Teeth Overcrowded teeth occur when the size of the teeth does not match the size of the jaw, resulting in a smile that is misaligned. This happens when there is not enough space in the upper and lower jaws to accommodate all the permanent teeth. In order to achieve a well-aligned, attractive, healthy, and functional bite, it may be necessary to remove some permanent teeth as part of an orthodontic treatment plan.
How is a tooth extraction performed?
When you need a dental extraction, rest assured that our office will provide top-notch care. Our dentist will carefully review your medical and dental histories, as well as any special considerations for your treatment.
Please make sure to inform us of any medical conditions or medications you are currently taking. In some cases, extra precautions like antibiotics or a change in medication may be required. We may also need a medical clearance. It's important to follow all pre-surgical instructions and let us know if you feel unwell or have any symptoms on the day of your surgery.
Our priority is to minimize anxiety and ensure your comfort during the tooth extraction process. 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 options for replacing the extracted tooth or teeth.
To accurately assess the tooth and determine the type of extraction needed, we will conduct a thorough examination and take digital radiographs as needed. Extractions are typically categorized as either "simple" or "surgical extractions."
What Is A Simple Extraction?
During a simple extraction, the tooth is easily visible in the mouth and the root structure is not abnormally hooked, fused to the surrounding bone, or otherwise unusual. Our dentist will use a local anesthetic to numb the tooth and surrounding tissues before gently loosening any attached periodontal tissues and using forceps to remove the tooth. Your comfort and relaxation are our top priorities during every dental procedure.
What Is A Surgical Extraction?
If your teeth are severely damaged, fused to the jawbone, or trapped, a surgical extraction may be required. In these cases, we may refer 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 carefully remove the overlying bone and gain better access to the tooth. As with any tooth extraction, patients are given a local anesthetic to ensure the affected tooth and surrounding area are completely numb.