Essential Information About Tooth Extraction
At Lakeview Family Dentistry, patient care and well-being are our top priorities. Our team of skilled professionals is focused on ensuring a comfortable and stress-free dental experience for all. We provide compassionate and personalized attention, along with gentle and precise care, earning the respect and trust of our patients.
While preserving your natural smile is our main objective, there are situations where tooth extraction is essential to protect your oral health and overall well-being.
Our office may recommend tooth extraction for several common reasons.
- An over-retained (reluctant to fall out) deciduous tooth, commonly known as a "baby" tooth, that is severely decayed or damaged. In most cases, a baby tooth will naturally fall out as the permanent tooth begins to come in. However, sometimes a baby tooth remains firmly attached to the bone. This can happen if the roots of the baby tooth do not shrink as they should, or if the baby tooth becomes fused to the supporting bone. The issue with keeping baby teeth for too long is that it can affect the development and alignment of your child's smile. As we keep an eye on your child's smile as they grow, we will let you know if and when it is necessary to remove a baby tooth to allow the permanent tooth to come in properly.
- A tooth that has severe decay and cannot be restored. If a small defect on the outer enamel layer of your tooth is left untreated, it can gradually damage the healthy tooth structure and reach the inner layers. Neglecting a cavity can cause severe harm to the tooth structure, irreversible nerve damage, dental infection, and have serious consequences for your oral health and overall well-being. In cases where the tooth has suffered extensive structural damage and cannot be saved, a dental extraction might be necessary.
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A tooth that has suffered severe fracture or cracking and cannot be repaired. There are various forms of chips, cracks, and fractures that can impact your teeth. The severity of the damage will determine if there is sufficient remaining tooth structure to salvage the tooth and the specific treatment needed. If too much tooth structure or the root is compromised, extraction might be necessary.
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Wisdom teeth that are not in the right place, affected by other teeth, or rotten. Wisdom teeth, also called third molars, are the last set of permanent teeth to grow in the mouth and typically emerge last. However, it is common for wisdom teeth to face issues such as lack of space to come out, improper development, severe decay, or causing problems for nearby teeth and tissues. While wisdom tooth extraction may be suggested for older individuals, it is more frequently recommended to remove problematic or potentially troublesome third molars in young adults at an earlier stage.
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Overcrowded Teeth When the size of the teeth doesn't match the size of the jaw, it can lead to a smile that is crowded and not aligned properly. In simpler terms, the upper and lower jaws are too small to fit all the permanent teeth. To achieve a well-aligned, attractive, healthy, and functional bite, it may be necessary to remove certain permanent teeth as part of an orthodontic treatment plan.
How is a tooth extraction performed?
No matter the reasons for requiring a dental extraction, you can trust our office to deliver the highest level of care. Our dentist will begin by reviewing your medical and dental histories, ensuring thorough consideration of any special factors related to your treatment.
It's essential to disclose any existing medical conditions or medications you're taking. Depending on the situation, additional precautions such as antibiotics or medication adjustments may be required. We may also need a medical clearance. Please adhere to all pre-surgical instructions and notify us if you feel unwell or experience any symptoms on the day of your procedure.
Our primary aim is to alleviate anxiety and ensure your comfort during the tooth extraction process. Ahead of the procedure, we'll address any medical concerns or precautions and provide you with detailed pre-surgical guidance. Additionally, we'll discuss post-surgical recommendations, including options for replacing the extracted tooth or teeth and the most suitable care plan for you.
To accurately evaluate the tooth and determine the extraction type needed, we'll conduct a comprehensive examination and take digital radiographs as needed. Extractions are typically categorized as either "simple" or "surgical extractions."
What Is A Simple Extraction?
When the tooth is visible in the mouth and its root structure is normal without any abnormalities like hooking or fusion with the surrounding bone, it qualifies for a simple extraction. Our dentist will apply a local anesthetic to numb the tooth and surrounding area. Using forceps, they will delicately loosen any connected periodontal tissues before gently extracting the tooth. Ensuring your comfort and relaxation during all dental procedures is our top priority.
What Is A Surgical Extraction?
When teeth are extensively damaged, fused to the jawbone, or impacted, a surgical extraction is typically required. In these instances, we may refer you to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon with expertise in such procedures. During a surgical extraction, a small incision is made in the gum tissue to provide access to the tooth. This may involve removing a portion of the surrounding bone to facilitate extraction. As with any extraction, patients receive local anesthesia to ensure the affected tooth and surrounding area are completely numb.