While our first goal at Dentistry Done Right will always be to maintain the health of your teeth, sometimes an extraction becomes necessary. When damage or decay has become so severe that there’s no choice but to remove the tooth, we’re here to help. Tooth extraction doesn’t have to be painful. In most cases, our team can remove teeth needing extraction with almost no discomfort. However, surgery is sometimes required to extract teeth in complex situations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a tooth extraction?
Only your dentist can tell you if you need a tooth extraction. However, you may be a candidate for the procedure if one or more of your teeth are decayed so severely that a filling or others restoration is not a possibility for treatment.
Undergoing Tooth Extraction At Dentistry Done Right
There are two primary reasons that a dental extraction may be called for. The first is one we highlighted above that damage to the tooth has reached a certain degree of severity. There are, however, other considerations that may lead to dental extraction being the correct approach. Consider the following:
- Wisdom Teeth Impaction: This is the leading reason a tooth may end up being extracted. Wisdom impaction often occurs when there isn’t enough room for a wisdom tooth to erupt properly. In these cases, it’s common for them to be held within the jawbone, out of reach of a simple extraction. As a result, surgery is needed to remove them.
- Advanced Periodontal Disease: Even in cases where the tooth is otherwise healthy, advanced periodontal disease can make it necessary to extract the tooth. This happens when the bone and ligament holding the tooth in place are compromised by infection.
- Dental Infection and Abscess: When infection occurs inside the pulp, it’s due to bacteria. These bacteria can impact the health of our teeth as the infection spreads. In severe cases, extraction may be necessary.
- Orthodontic Correction: Some orthodontic concerns, such as overcrowding, require that a tooth be removed to have sufficient space for the remaining teeth. This is one of the limited situations where dental extraction may be the first choice for preserving oral health.
While we always try to maintain the health of your teeth when possible, it is initially more expensive. However, removing teeth has long-term consequences for your remaining teeth’ health. They will endure a greater degree of wear-and-tear. Without their neighboring teeth, they may also move out of position, requiring orthodontic treatment. While dental implants and bridges can often replace missing teeth, this is a more costly procedure than just preserving the tooth, to begin with. Overall it’s better to ensure that the tooth remains healthy and restore it rather than extracting it when possible.
What should I expect during my tooth extraction appointment?
If you and your dentist decide to extract one or more teeth, you will be scheduled to return for oral surgery at a later date. You will be given a local anesthetic to prevent pain during the procedure, and you may be prescribed medications to help manage pain in the hours following your extraction. Depending on the nature of your extraction and other factors, such as whether your teeth are impacted, you may also be sedated or given general anesthesia during your procedure.
What type of post-treatment care will I need to follow?
Post-operative care following a tooth extraction is essential for healing and preventing complications. You will be instructed to avoid certain foods and also keep the surgical site clean at all times. If you are prescribed an antibiotic, it is important that you complete the course of treatment to prevent infection. Finally, you may be advised to avoid smoking or drinking through a straw, as doing so may delay the healing process and cause a condition known as ‘dry socket.’
Treatment Methods Following An Extraction
We provide a comprehensive range of treatment options for dental extraction. Simple extractions generally only require a local anesthetic and can be done quickly. Like most wisdom tooth removals, surgical extractions are more complex, often involving general anesthesia. If you’re experiencing dental pain, you must schedule an appointment to assess your oral health. Dr. Rhee will establish a complete treatment plan to address the underlying concern. The sooner you act, the more likely extraction can be avoided.