Tooth Extractions
Causes for Tooth Extraction
Tooth extractions may treat a myriad of conditions, including the following:
- Severe decay or tooth infections. Tooth decay that is serious enough may be capable of spreading infection to neighboring teeth as well as other parts of the mouth.
- Broken or damaged teeth. In situations where a damaged tooth cannot be repaired, any left over part of the tooth will need to be removed.
- Crowding or impaction. In some cases, extra teeth could be present in the dental arch. Seeing how there is often not enough provided space for these extra teeth, crowding, and poor positioning are typical. On some occasions, baby teeth do not descend in time for the adult teeth to come in. Removing these baby teeth allows the new teeth room to erupt and grow into their appropriate position.
- Gum disease (periodontal disease), If advanced enough; may start causing destruction of the periodontal ligament and the supporting bone around the affected teeth. Extractions are sometimes required to stop the infection and prevent it from spreading to the adjacent bone tissue and teeth.
Sometimes the only way to avoid further problems is by removing the affected tooth or teeth. Severe dental decay, gum disease, facial injuries, or other conditions that can cause damage are valid reasons for tooth extraction, which is a common procedure in our office at Eicon Dental Care.
All of your treatment options will be considered before your dentist or oral surgeon determine that a tooth extraction is the best option. A tooth can occasionally be saved by your oral surgeon or dentist through procedures such as a root canal, apicoectomy, or other restorative procedures. However, sometimes tooth removal is necessary. Tooth replacement options will be discussed with you if an extraction is certain, such as a dental implant. If a bone grafting procedure is needed before dental implant placement, the procedure can sometimes be performed during the same time as the extraction.
Extraction Procedures
Here at Eicon Dental we use local anesthesia, which is common for a tooth extraction procedure, you will be awake during the procedure but should not feel any pain. Pressure may be felt while the Doctor rotates the tooth back and forth to widen the socket before removal. Sometimes the doctor will need to section the tooth into smaller pieces to allow for an easier removal.
More complicated tooth extractions may require IV anesthesia, which will put you in a sleep-like state until the procedure is over. If IV anesthesia is needed you will be referred to an oral surgeon. Sometimes patients opt for IV anesthesia if they are more anxious about their procedure. Our staff will work with you to make sure you are completely at ease with your procedure and treatment plan.
If you or your child are in need of a dental extraction, we can help. Contact our office for more information or to schedule a consultation.