There are many reasons why you may need a tooth extraction. There might not be enough room in your mouth for the tooth. It might be necessary to remove the tooth before getting braces. The tooth may be decayed, rotten or damaged beyond repair. No matter what the case is, tooth extraction specialists will extract the tooth using the latest technology and recommend the proper follow-up to ensure you have a fully functioning smile.
Why a Tooth Extraction
dentists primary goal is to preserve your natural teeth. dentists may use white tooth fillings, crowns to repair decayed or damaged teeth. If necessary, a root canal may be perofmed to save your tooth. Unfortunately, some teeth are beyond repair or cause misalignment and other complications.
You may need a tooth extraction if:
- Your teeth are overcrowded, resulting in misalignment.
- You have an infected tooth that we could not successfully treat with a filling or root canal therapy.
- One of your teeth is decayed beyond restoration.
- You need one or more wisdom teeth removed.
Who should I contact when I think I need an extraction?
If you’re experiencing any type of complication with your teeth, your first step should be to contact your dentist. Many dental practices offer after-hours service for patients who have emergency needs outside of normal business hours. Your dentist will evaluate the situation to determine whether an extraction is needed, and whether it’s something that can be done in the office. This consultation typically involves X-rays and an examination of the affected tooth or teeth.
From there, your dentist will make a recommendation about whether he or she can perform the extraction, or whether you need to be referred to an oral surgeon. If the tooth can be removed using Novocain or local anesthesia, most dentists can do this right in the office, perhaps even at the same time as your consultation. If the dentist determines that an oral surgeon is necessary, most dental offices have oral surgeons they work with and can easily make a referral.
What are the reasons for referral to an oral surgeon?
There are a few good reasons why a seeing an oral surgeon may be necessary for a successful extraction:
Facial Structure
The positioning of your teeth in your mouth may make it difficult for a dentist to perform the extraction without causing discomfort. Things like large sinuses, or limited jaw mobility necessitate an extraction by an oral surgeon.
Cracked or Fractured Teeth
Teeth that are already cracked or fractured are likely to break more during the extraction, which requires a more intensive surgery similar to what’s needed for an impacted tooth.
Extraction Complications
As much as any dentist strives perfection, things can go wrong during some extractions. If the tooth has complex roots or cracks during the procedure, an oral surgeon may be needed to complete the process. In this case, you would be referred to a surgeon as quickly as possible to minimize discomfort and the risk for further complications.
Can a procedure be done by either or?
There are a few instances where it’s perfectly fine to have a dentist or oral surgeon work on your teeth.
Impacted Teeth
If your teeth are impacted, or fully below the gum line, removing them becomes much more complex than simply pulling them out. However, this procedure may be able to completed by either a dentist or an oral surgeon. The procedure will likely involve general anesthesia and cutting into the mouth to remove the teeth – but if you feel more comfortable with an oral surgeon talk to your dentist for a great recommendation.
Dental Anxiety
Regardless of the physical situation with your tooth, some patients prefer to be asleep for an extraction if they suffer from dental anxiety or a fear of going to the dentist. Both dentists and oral surgeons can administer sedation. Communicate your concerns about dental work, and your dentist or oral surgeon will be able to work with your needs. Never receive anesthesia from someone who is not a trained professional in case you have an adverse reaction to it.
Before the Dental Extraction
Prior to commencing a dental extraction procedure, it is important to review the dental and health history of the patient. There are some health conditions and medications that can change the suitability of dental extraction and the procedure.
For example, patients who have had a joint replacement (for instance, of the knee or hip), or who have certain problems with their heart (such as a heart murmur or replacement valves) may need to have prophylactic antibiotics before the procedure to help prevent infection.
Medications used to change the consistency or clotting characteristics of blood, such as warfarin, clopidogrel or aspirin, may need to be ceased some time before the procedure to reduce the risk of prolonged bleeding.
Dental Extraction Procedure
For simple dental extraction, local anesthetic is usually injected around the nerve or nerves that are responsible for supplying sensation to the tooth to be extracted. A numbing gel may be applied 1-2 minutes before the injection to reduce the discomfort associated with the administration of the injection.
Teeth are usually suspended from the bony tooth socket in the jaw by a shock-absorbing ligament, known as the periodontal ligament. The first step for tooth extraction, therefore, is to release the tooth from the periodontal ligament fibers. This is usually done with an instrument called a periotome, which consists of a thin blade.
At this point, a gauze net may be placed in the back of the mouth to prevent the tooth from being inhaled or swallowed after extraction.
simple dental extraction
If the tooth is visible, simple dental extraction can be performed. An instrument called an elevator can then be used to loosen the tooth further from its socket. Various types of elevators may be used, depending on the situation to apply pressure to the tooth and luxate it.
When the tooth is loose enough, forceps are utilized to deliver the tooth extraction. This instrument is similar to a pair of pliers that can hold and pull the tooth, without heavy forces.
surgical dental extraction
If the tooth is not or only partially visible, surgical dental extraction may be performed. In this procedure, an incision will be made to expose the tooth with a surgical flap. The tooth may also need to be sectioned into pieces to prevent trauma to the surrounding nerves and tissues as they are removed. The pieces can be loosened from the socket with an elevator, similar to the simple procedure. The fragments can then be removed one at a time in a specific sequence, with the curved roots being removed at the end.
After Tooth Extraction Procedure
After you have one or more teeth removed, you must avoid drinking through a straw for the first 24 hours. You should also avoid alcoholic beverages and mouthwashes containing alcohol. Limit your physical activity for a few days so you do not agitate the empty socket. You may experience some swelling and bruising, but this is normal and should subside within a few days. Your doctor may provide pain medication to minimize discomfort, and you can use ice packs to help reduce any swelling.
Does tooth extraction hurt?
No, because tooth extraction specialists are dedicated to your comfort. they use local anesthesia during the extraction. If you have anxiety about the procedure, you can also get IV conscious sedation in which dentists administer a sedative intravenously. With IV conscious sedation, you’ll doze lightly and won’t have any pain or anxiety during your procedure.
Will I have a gap in my teeth after extraction?
You don’t have to. It’s always best to replace your missing tooth because it helps you maintain your bite and prevents alignment problems. Plus, it’s much easier to show off your smile when you don’t have a gaping hole between your teeth.
There are a few different options for tooth replacement, including dental implants, dentures and partials, or crowns and bridges. All of these options give you a custom replacement tooth that looks and functions as a natural tooth would.
With wisdom tooth extraction, you won’t have a gap or need a replacement since the wisdom teeth are at the very back of your mouth.
