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Tooth Extractions
When it is determined that a tooth needs to be removed, your dentist may extract the tooth during a regular checkup or may schedule another visit for this procedure. The root of each tooth is encased within your jawbone in a “tooth socket,” and your tooth is held in that socket by a ligament. In order to extract a tooth, your dentist must expand the socket and separate the tooth from the ligament holding it in place. While this procedure is typically very quick, it is important to share with your doctor any concerns or preferences for sedation.
Common Causes for Tooth Extractions
There can be many reasons for extracting teeth, so make sure you ask your dentist about your specific situation and they will walk through the pros and cons of the procedure. Some of the leading causes of tooth extractions include:
- Disease: — A diseased or traumatized tooth can be saved by a dental crown or a root canal treatment. If these methods cannot protect the tooth’s appearance or performance, it is often removed and can be replaced with a dental implant.
- Crowding: — Orthodontic treatments often require tooth removal of one or more teeth to correct crowding concerns. Extracted teeth allow for more room on your mouth to align the remaining teeth properly. In most cases, orthodontists remove the first premolars.
- Wisdom Teeth: — When wisdom teeth become impacted, they have to be removed. The removal process will prevent any damage to healthy teeth, gums, bone, nerves, tissues and blood vessels.
- Baby Teeth: — Baby teeth can be removed by a dentist if they don’t come out in the proper sequence or if the permanent tooth is being hindered from erupting normally.
Once a tooth has been removed, neighboring teeth may shift, causing problems with chewing or with your jaw joint function. To avoid these complications, you may need to replace the extracted tooth.
Dental Process of Tooth Extractions
Dr. Sims will perform an x-ray before recommending tooth removal. This allows us to properly examine where the roots are, as well as the condition of bone. We can also anticipate complications by looking at all the facts through an x-ray. We will then discuss your health history to determine if you are healthy enough for the procedure.
In most cases, local anesthesia is used to numb the tooth and area. Sometimes, our periodontist will use other sedation methods to ensure you feel no pain or anxiety during the procedure. Special care is taken to ensure bone around the tooth isn’t damaged during the procedure. If needed, bone-grafting material is placed in the socket to help preserve bone volume—especially necessary if a dental implant is planned for later on.
What Should I Expect After Tooth Removal?
Right after a tooth extraction, our dental professionals apply gauze to the socket and gentle pressure is applied for about 20 minutes to control any bleeding. The area may require a few stitches and you may experience mild to moderate swelling or discomfort but most symptoms can be controlled with over-the-counter pain medications. Sometimes, we prescribe antibiotics to prevent an infection. Ice packs can help reduce swelling and make sure you eat softer foods for a couple of days until your mouth returns to normal.
Contact us today to learn more about professional tooth removal.