Tooth Extraction
Bells, Jackson, and Milan, TN
Our dentists at Premier Dental can often save our patients’ teeth with dental fillings or by removing damaged tissue and salvaging the rest, but sometimes the tooth needs to be entirely removed, or extracted.
In these situations, we carefully numb the area and then use special dental tools to safely and quickly remove the tooth with minimal discomfort. Here is how a tooth extraction is performed, why it might be necessary, and what to expect during the procedure.
When Is a Tooth Extraction Needed?
Several situations may require extraction. These might include overcrowding in the teeth which cannot be corrected, decay in the teeth which is beyond repair with fillings or crowns, or trauma from a car accident or sporting injury. Also, periodontal disease might remove the underlying support structure of the teeth, the jawbone, which may make extraction necessary.
Sometimes, there is no disease or damage to a tooth but extraction is still necessary. Wisdom teeth, for example, often grow in problematic ways against the back molars. Before braces are fitted, orthodontists frequently recommend extraction of one or two teeth so that the braces will work properly as well.
How Is an Extraction Performed?
Historically, tooth extractions were the norm rather than the exception. Many of the tools available to modern dentistry had not been invented yet, so options to save teeth did not exist. If a patient had a simple cavity, the only available treatment was extraction. Since the effective painkilling procedures of today’s clinics did not yet exist either, the procedure was often quite painful.
Fortunately, dental technology has come a long way. Modern anesthesia has resulted in a painless experience for patients, and the procedure itself is more complex. There are now two types of extraction, simple and surgical. A simple extraction involves the use of tools called forceps which grip the tooth and gently pull it out by the roots. Sometimes, though, the tooth is too damaged or decayed to make simple extraction possible, so the dentist must remove some gum tissue first and then stitch the area afterward to prevent bleeding.
Our dentist will take x-rays to determine which extraction method is right in your case. Many extractions can be performed in a very short time, and normal activities can be resumed shortly afterward. Very rarely, complications may occur, but our dentists cover all their bases to ensure a smooth, safe extraction procedure with short recovery time.
After your extraction work, we can discuss options for replacing missing teeth, such as dental implants. These procedures are often covered by insurance. There is no need to live with missing teeth for implant candidates. Our goal is always to restore your brightest, best smile while protecting your health.
If you would like more information about tooth extraction or to make an appointment to visit our office, contact us, Premier Dental at 731-300-3000. Our friendly staff will take the time to discuss your concerns and answer any questions you might have about the procedure. We will book a timely appointment to come in and see one of our qualified, skilled dentists in our clinic.
|
