Gentle Tooth Extractions: When Removal is Necessary at Schaefer Dental Group
The main goal of dentistry is to preserve your natural teeth and keep them healthy for as long as possible. There are times, however, when it is in your best interest (or your child’s) to have a tooth extracted (removed). This could be the case for a variety of reasons. Perhaps you have a tooth that has been severely damaged by trauma or decay; or an impacted wisdom tooth that may cause trouble for you later on. Maybe your teenager needs space for orthodontic treatment, or your younger child has a baby tooth that’s stubbornly adhering. Schaefer Dental Group performs these procedures with care in Lansing, Michigan.
Whatever the reason, tooth extraction is more often than not a very routine procedure. The straightforwardness of this minor surgery depends on where the tooth is located and its root structure. For example, a front tooth with a single straight root is easier to remove than a molar with multiple roots, especially when that molar is an impacted wisdom tooth. Still, tooth extraction is nothing to be feared when done by an experienced hand. Keep in mind that a tooth is attached to the bone via a network of fibers that form the periodontal ligament. By carefully manipulating the tooth, these fibers can be detached and the tooth freed without much trouble.
Reasons for Extracting a Tooth
As mentioned above, there can be a variety of reasons for extracting a tooth. Be sure to ask questions about the pros and cons of any dental treatment, including extraction:
- Trauma or Disease: Sometimes damage is too severe, even after attempts to save the tooth with a crown or root canal treatment. In these cases, it may be better to remove the tooth and replace it with a strong and lifelike dental implant.
- Orthodontic Treatment (Crowding): Teeth are sometimes extracted when there are too many of them for the size of the dental arches (jaws). Removing one or more teeth creates adequate space for the remaining teeth to be aligned properly.
- Impacted Wisdom Teeth: Early removal of impacted wisdom teeth can prevent damage to neighboring healthy teeth, bone, gum tissue, nerves, and blood vessels.
- Baby Teeth: If a baby tooth is out of position or not lost in the right sequence, removing it could prevent a need for orthodontic treatment later on.
The Process of Extracting a Tooth
The first step in any extraction is a radiographic (x-ray) examination to assess the position of the tooth roots and the condition of the surrounding bone. This allows any possible complications to be anticipated. The process includes:
- Assessment: A thorough medical and drug history is taken, and options for anesthesia will be discussed.
- Anesthesia: Tooth extraction is usually carried out with local anesthesia, which will numb the teeth and surrounding tissues. Additional sedatives (oral, nitrous oxide, or IV sedation) might also be used for more complicated or multiple extractions.
- Extraction and Bone Preservation: As your tooth is being removed, steps are taken to ensure the surrounding bone isn’t damaged. Sometimes, a small amount of lab-processed bone-grafting material is placed into the socket to help preserve the bone volume for future implant placement or orthodontic treatment.
What to Expect After Tooth Extraction
Immediately after your tooth is extracted, the socket will be covered with sterile gauze; gentle pressure will be applied for 10-20 minutes to control any bleeding. Small sutures (stitches) might also be used. It’s normal to experience some mild to moderate post-operative discomfort and/or swelling. Here are tips for recovery:
- Pain Management: Taking non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and/or aspirin the day of surgery should control most symptoms. Antibiotics may also be prescribed.
- Care: Using ice packs on the outside of your jaw, and eating softer foods until you feel more comfortable can also be helpful.
Within a few days, all should be back to normal. If you have concerns, call Schaefer Dental Group immediately.