Careful, Gentle Tooth Extractions
There are a number of situations in which a simple tooth extraction can be helpful
What Is A Simple Extraction?
When the tooth is clearly visible in the mouth and the root anatomy is not extensively hooked, fused to the surrounding bone, or otherwise unusual, it usually falls into the category of a simple extraction.
Once the tooth and the surrounding tissues get sufficiently numbed with a local anesthetic, our dentist will loosen any attached periodontal tissues and apply forceps to remove the tooth.
As with all dental procedures, we do all we can to help ensure your comfort and relaxation throughout every step in care.
For patients who are anxious about dental work or certain procedures, we can discuss additional options in dental sedation.
How is a tooth extraction performed?
Whatever the reasons for a dental extraction may be, you can rest assured that your care is in the best of hands at our office. As the first step in care, our dentist will review your medical and dental histories and discuss any special considerations in care.
It’s essential to inform our office of any existing medical conditions or medications you are currently taking. In some situations, extra precautions, including premedication with antibiotics, a change in medication, and a medical clearance may be required.
Follow all our pre-surgical directives and let us know if you are sick or have developed other symptoms on the day of surgery.
Our goal is to reduce any anxiety and help ensure patient comfort whenever a tooth extraction is necessary.
In advance of the procedure, we’ll discuss any medical considerations or precautions and go over our pre-surgical instructions.
We’ll also discuss post-surgical recommendations, including whether replacing the extracted tooth or teeth is needed and the best options in care.
To thoroughly assess the tooth and the type of extraction required, we perform a comprehensive examination and take digital radiographs as indicated.
Extractions are typically categorized as either “simple” or “surgical extractions.”
While we do everything we can to preserve the integrity of your natural smile, it's sometimes necessary to extract a tooth to protect your oral health and overall well-being
Some of the most common reasons our office may recommend having a tooth extracted include the following ones:
- A “baby” or deciduous tooth that is over retained (reluctant to fall out), severely decayed, or damaged
- In most cases, a baby tooth will fall out as scheduled as the underlying permanent one begins to erupt into place. However, occasionally a baby tooth continues to remain firmly attached to the bone. Either the roots of the baby tooth have failed to resorb and shrink as intended, or the baby tooth has become anklylosed and fused to the supporting bone.
- The problem is that over-retained baby teeth can disrupt the development and alignment of your child’s smile. As we monitor your child’s smile as they grow, we’ll advise you if and when an extraction of a baby tooth is required to facilitate the eruption of its underlying permanent successor.
- A permanent tooth that has extensive decay and is deemed non-restorable
- Beginning as a simple pinpoint defect on the outermost enamel layer of your tooth, untreated dental decay will continue to compromise healthy tooth structure as it works its way to the inner layers of the tooth.
- Without proper care, a cavity can lead to significant damage to tooth structure, irreversible damage to the nerve of the tooth, a dental infection, and serious consequences to your oral health and overall well-being. When the tooth has sustained far too much structural damage and cannot be restored, a dental extraction may be required.
- Overcrowded Teeth
- A tooth size to jaw size discrepancy often results in a crowded and misaligned smile. More simply put, the upper and lower jaws are not large enough to accommodate all the permanent teeth. As part of an orthodontic treatment plan to optimally align teeth and establish an attractive, healthy, and functional bite, the extraction of select permanent teeth may be required.
What Is A Surgical Extraction?
For teeth that are severely broken down, or impacted, a surgical extraction is often indicated. We may refer you to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to perform this procedure.
During a surgical extraction, a small incision in the soft tissues and localized, precise removal of overlying bone provides greater access to remove the tooth.
As with all tooth extractions, patients are given a local anesthetic to completely numb the involved tooth and the surrounding tissues.
Once again, additional options in dental sedation, pre-surgical considerations, and directives are thoroughly discussed and explained.
What To Do After Getting A Tooth Taken Out
As skilled and experienced providers of care, we recognize that every case is different and provide treatment that addresses the unique requirements of each patient.
Depending on a patient’s specific needs, we provide post-operative instructions, including special instructions, limitations on activities, medications, and follow-up care that support optimal recovery and healing.
Why choose the office of Joshua Bratt DMD PC?
You deserve quality care that’s personalized to meet your individual needs, and at the office of Joshua Bratt DMD PC, you can rest assured your smile is in the best of hands.
We deliver precise and gentle care, keeping you informed and relaxed throughout your procedure. If your tooth needs to be replaced, we’ll discuss your best options, including dentures, dental bridges, and dental implants.
As the most advanced method of tooth replacement available, dental implants come the closest to replicating the look, feel, and function of a natural smile.
Hours
- Tuesday: 11:00 am - 6:00 pm
- Wednesday: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
- Saturday: 8:00 am - 2:00 pm
- Monday: Closed
- Friday: Closed
- Sunday: Closed
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Frequently Asked Questions
- The most common reasons for tooth loss include advanced periodontal disease, extensive tooth decay, and facial trauma. According to statistics, gum disease is responsible for close to 70% of tooth loss in adults. Although less frequent than the preceding three reasons, it should also be noted that specific diseases, drugs, smoking, and poor nutrition contribute to the risk of tooth loss.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that in the United States, an average of 12 teeth (including the wisdom teeth) are lost by the age of 50. Also, 26% of adults between 65 and 74 years of age have lost all their teeth.
- Every patient and every situation is different. However, when a tooth and the surrounding tissues are numbed with a local anesthetic, you should only expect to feel a bit of pressure, but no pain as the tooth is being loosened from the surrounding tissues and extracted. For patients who are apprehensive and for some surgical extractions, our office will discuss our options in dental sedation to provide further relaxation and reduce any sense of discomfort.
- While it’s normal to feel some tenderness and swelling following an extraction, the degree of these sensations can vary. It mostly depends on the complexity of the extraction and the body’s response to the procedure. We’ll recommend or prescribe the appropriate pain medication to help ensure your comfort and give you specific instructions for maximum effectiveness and safety.
- Typically, the recovery period following a simple extraction is shorter than a surgical extraction. However, a patient’s overall health, habits, and the size and location of the tooth, and other variables can influence recovery and healing. To speed up the recovery and avoid any complications, patients must follow the given at-home instructions diligently. We’ll carefully review what to expect following your procedure and go over your post-op instructions.
- Smoking interferes with blood clot formation, which is an essential first step in the healing process. Blot clot formation not only provides a protective layer to cover the underlying exposed bone and nerve endings, but it also supports the growth of new tissue. Cigarette smoke also contains chemical toxins that can disrupt the healing process and lead to problems such as continued inflammation, infection, or dry socket.
- In a very small percentage of cases, a condition known as dry socket can develop in the aftermath of a dental extraction. This painful condition can arise when the blood clot in the extraction site doesn’t form properly or gets dislodged. With dry socket, you may experience throbbing pain and symptoms such as bad breath and an unpleasant taste in your mouth. As skilled providers of care, our office will provide immediate treatment to alleviate your discomfort and promote healing.
- The last teeth in your mouth to develop, wisdom teeth often do not have enough room to fully erupt or may be positioned in the wrong direction. These issues can affect your dental health as well as overall wellbeing. While some individuals never develop all their wisdom teeth, and a few have sufficient space for them, there are many people with partially or fully impacted third molars. Our office will monitor the development, position, and health of your wisdom teeth and will advise you if and when extractions are indicated.
- After a tooth is removed, bone-grafting material is sometimes placed in the socket to promote healing and encourage new bone development. This procedure is often performed to support the eventual and successful placement of a dental implant.
- Many dental plans offer some level of coverage for tooth extractions. We’ll advise you if your plan covers the full cost of the procedure and if there is any out-of-pocket expense. Our business office will work with you to maximize your insurance benefits as much as possible while helping you minimize any out-of-pocket expenses.
