Extraction

Extraction is the removal of a tooth. Your dentist at Smile 32 Dental Center will explain why extraction is necessary for a wisdom or any other tooth. The procedure is usually performed right in the office, but you may be referred to an oral surgeon.

Need for extraction

There are several reasons why your dentist may recommend extraction which include:

• The mouth would be healthier without the badly decayed tooth
• A break in the tooth cannot be repaired
• The tooth is impacted, meaning it has not broken through the gums properly
• A tooth is positioned badly and crowding other teeth
• Braces or orthodontic treatment is needed and removal is necessary
• Periodontitis, a very serious gum disease has damage the tooth

Wisdom teeth extraction

The chewing teeth in the back of your mouth, the third set of molars, are called wisdom teeth. They usually appear in your late teen or early twenties. Wisdom teeth need extraction when they don’t emerge correctly or they crowd the jaw. They are often removed so they won’t cause problems for your other teeth.

Impacted Wisdom Teeth

When a wisdom tooth is impacted, it means that they do not fully emerge from the gums correctly. This makes them hard to clean and susceptible to plaque accumulation and decay. They can also cause a comfort issue when they are not positioned right. You can see an x-ray of your wisdom teeth, and your dentist can explain what needs to be done.

The extraction procedure

Extraction is a routine procedure used with a local anesthetic. This numbs the area near the tooth so it can be extracted. You will feel some pressure, no pain, and the procedure is usually quick. After the removal, your dentist at Smile 32 Dental Center will give you instructions on keeping the area clean so the area can heal properly with troubles of infection. Partial dentures, bridges or dental implants may be an option that the dentist will discuss with you to replace the missing tooth.

Alternatives to tooth extraction

In some circumstances, your dentist may advise a root canal or crown for a damaged tooth. Tooth replacement is usually a better option because an extracted tooth can leave a gap that can cause other problems in the future. In the long run, saving a tooth may be a less expensive option. Your dentist at Smile 32 Dental Center can explain all the options you have.