Crucial Details Regarding Tooth Extraction
Here at Flossophy Dental Studio, our top priority is the care and well-being of our patients. Our team of highly skilled professionals is focused on creating a comfortable and stress-free dental experience for you. We are dedicated to providing compassionate and personalized care, using gentle and precise techniques that have earned us the trust and respect of our patients.
While our main objective is to maintain the health of your natural smile, there are situations where tooth extraction may be required to protect your oral health and overall wellness.
Our office may suggest tooth extraction for a number of common reasons.
- An over-retained (reluctant to fall out) deciduous tooth, commonly known as a "baby" tooth, that is severely decayed or damaged. In most cases, a baby tooth will naturally fall out as the permanent tooth begins to come in. However, sometimes a baby tooth remains firmly attached to the bone. This can happen if the roots of the baby tooth do not shrink as they should, or if the baby tooth becomes fused to the supporting bone. The issue with keeping baby teeth for too long is that it can affect the development and alignment of your child's smile. As we keep an eye on your child's smile as they grow, we will let you know if and when it is necessary to remove a baby tooth to allow the permanent tooth to come in properly.
- A tooth that has severe decay and cannot be restored. If a small defect on the outer enamel layer of your tooth is left untreated, it can gradually damage the healthy tooth structure and reach the inner layers. Neglecting a cavity can cause severe harm to the tooth structure, irreversible nerve damage, dental infection, and have serious consequences for your oral health and overall well-being. In cases where the tooth has suffered extensive structural damage and cannot be saved, a dental extraction might be necessary.
- A tooth that has suffered severe fracture or cracking and cannot be repaired. There are various forms of chips, cracks, and fractures that can impact your teeth. The severity of the damage will determine if there is sufficient remaining tooth structure to salvage the tooth and the specific treatment needed. If too much tooth structure or the root is compromised, extraction might be necessary.
- Wisdom teeth that are not in the right place, affected by other teeth, or rotten. Wisdom teeth, also called third molars, are the last set of permanent teeth to grow in the mouth and typically emerge last. However, it is common for wisdom teeth to face issues such as lack of space to come out, improper development, severe decay, or causing problems for nearby teeth and tissues. While wisdom tooth extraction may be suggested for older individuals, it is more frequently recommended to remove problematic or potentially troublesome third molars in young adults at an earlier stage.
- Overcrowded Teeth When the size of the teeth doesn't match the size of the jaw, it can lead to a smile that is crowded and not aligned properly. In simpler terms, the upper and lower jaws are too small to fit all the permanent teeth. To achieve a well-aligned, attractive, healthy, and functional bite, it may be necessary to remove certain permanent teeth as part of an orthodontic treatment plan.
How does the process of tooth extraction work?
When you need a dental extraction, rest assured that our office will provide top-notch care. Our dentist will carefully review your medical and dental histories, as well as any special considerations for your treatment.
It's crucial to let us know about any medical conditions or medications you're taking. In some cases, we may need to take extra precautions, such as prescribing antibiotics or adjusting your medication. We may also require a medical clearance. Please follow all pre-surgical instructions and inform us if you're feeling unwell or experiencing any symptoms on the day of your surgery.
Our priority is to minimize anxiety and ensure your comfort during the tooth extraction procedure. Before the extraction, we'll address any medical concerns or precautions and provide you with pre-surgical instructions. We'll also discuss post-surgical recommendations, including options for replacing the extracted tooth or teeth.
To accurately assess the tooth and determine the type of extraction needed, we'll conduct a thorough examination and take digital radiographs as needed. Extractions are typically categorized as either "simple" or "surgical extractions."
What is included in a basic extraction procedure?
When a tooth is easily seen in the mouth and the root structure is not abnormally hooked, fused to the surrounding bone, or otherwise unusual, it is considered a simple extraction. Our dentist will ensure your comfort by using a local anesthetic to numb the tooth and surrounding tissues before gently loosening any attached periodontal tissues and using forceps to remove the tooth. Your relaxation and well-being are our main concerns during all dental procedures.
What does a surgical extraction involve?
If your teeth are severely damaged, fused to the jawbone, or trapped, a surgical extraction may be required. In these cases, we may refer you to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon who is experienced in this type of procedure. During a surgical extraction, a small incision is made in the soft tissues to carefully remove the overlying bone and gain better access to the tooth. As with any tooth extraction, patients will receive a local anesthetic to ensure the affected tooth and surrounding area are completely numb.
