What You Need To Know About Having A Tooth Extracted
At Lakeview Family Dentistry, patient care and well-being is our top priority. Our team of skilled professionals is committed to providing a comfortable and stress-free dental experience. We are dedicated to delivering compassionate, personalized attention, and gentle, precise care, earning the respect and trust of our patients.
Our primary goal is to maintain the natural integrity of your smile. However, there may be instances where tooth extraction is required to protect your oral health and overall well-being.
There are various common reasons for which our office may suggest tooth extraction.
A "baby" tooth, also known as an over-retained deciduous tooth, can suffer severe decay or damage. Normally, a baby tooth falls out naturally as the permanent tooth comes in. However, sometimes a baby tooth stays attached to the bone because the root hasn't shrunk enough or it has fused to the bone that supports it. If a baby tooth is retained for too long, it can affect the growth and alignment of a child's smile. As we keep an eye on your child's dental development, we'll let you know if we need to remove a baby tooth to help the permanent tooth come in properly.
A tooth that is severely decayed and cannot be restored can pose a threat to your overall oral health. If not addressed promptly, a minor defect on the enamel layer can worsen, damaging the healthy structure of the tooth and reaching the inner layers. This can result in irreversible nerve damage and dental infection. Ignoring a cavity can lead to serious implications for your oral health. In situations where the structural damage is so extensive that restoration is not possible, it may be necessary to extract the tooth.
If a tooth has severe fractures or cracks that are beyond repair, it may need to be extracted. The possibility of saving the tooth depends on the extent of the damage. If the damage has affected a significant portion of the tooth structure or the root, extraction could be the only feasible solution.
Extraction may be necessary for wisdom teeth that are incorrectly positioned, impacted by other teeth, or decayed. These third molars can encounter problems such as insufficient space, abnormal development, extreme decay, or complications for neighboring teeth and tissues. Wisdom tooth extraction is often suggested for young adults dealing with these molar issues, although it may also be recommended for older individuals.
A discrepancy in size between the teeth and jaw can result in overcrowding, leading to a misaligned smile. In these instances, it may be necessary to extract some permanent teeth as part of an orthodontic treatment plan to attain a well-aligned, appealing, healthy, and functional bite.
How is a tooth extraction performed?
No matter why you need a tooth extraction, you can trust our office to provide the highest quality care. Our dentist will start by going over your medical and dental histories and discussing any special considerations for your treatment.
It's essential to let us know about any current medical conditions or medications you're taking. In some cases, we may need to take extra precautions like prescribing antibiotics or adjusting your medication. We might also need a medical clearance. Please follow all pre-surgery instructions and let us know if you're feeling sick or experiencing any symptoms on the day of your surgery.
Our main aim is to reduce your anxiety and ensure your comfort during a tooth extraction. Before the procedure, we'll talk about any medical concerns or precautions and give you pre-surgery instructions. We'll also discuss post-surgery recommendations, including the potential need to replace the extracted tooth or teeth, and the best care options for you.
To accurately determine the type of extraction needed, we'll conduct a thorough examination and take digital radiographs if needed. Extractions are usually classified as either "simple" or "surgical extractions."
What Is A Simple Extraction?
A tooth is deemed suitable for a simple extraction when it is clearly visible in the mouth and its root structure is normal, meaning it's not abnormally hooked, fused to the surrounding bone, or otherwise unusual. Our dentist will ensure your comfort by administering a local anesthetic to numb the tooth and surrounding tissues. They will then carefully detach any connected periodontal tissues and use forceps to extract the tooth. Your comfort and relaxation during all dental procedures is our top priority.
What Is A Surgical Extraction?
If you have severe tooth damage, teeth fused to the jawbone, or impacted teeth, a surgical extraction is typically required. In these instances, we might suggest you see an oral and maxillofacial surgeon who is an expert in this procedure. The process of a surgical extraction involves making a small incision in the soft tissues, which allows for accurate removal of the bone covering the tooth for better access. As with all tooth extractions, a local anesthetic is administered to numb the affected tooth and its surrounding area completely.