What You Need To Know About Having A Tooth Extracted
At JP Dental - Jamaica Plain, our top priority is the care and well-being of our patients. Our team of skilled professionals is devoted to ensuring a comfortable and stress-free dental experience. We are dedicated to providing compassionate and personalized attention, along with gentle and precise care, which has earned us the trust and respect of our patients.
While our main objective is to preserve the integrity of your natural smile, there are situations where tooth extraction is necessary to protect your oral health and overall well-being.
Our office may suggest tooth extraction for several common reasons. One reason is an over-retained deciduous tooth, also known as a "baby" tooth, that is severely decayed or damaged. Sometimes, a baby tooth remains firmly attached to the bone if the roots do not shrink or if it becomes fused to the bone. Keeping baby teeth for too long can affect the development and alignment of a child's smile. We will inform you if it is necessary to remove a baby tooth to allow the permanent tooth to come in properly.
- Another reason for tooth extraction is severe decay that cannot be restored. Neglecting a cavity can cause irreversible nerve damage, dental infection, and have serious consequences for oral health. If a tooth has suffered extensive structural damage and cannot be saved, extraction may be necessary.
- A tooth that has suffered severe fracture or cracking and cannot be repaired may also require extraction. The severity of the damage will determine if the tooth can be salvaged or if extraction is necessary.
- Wisdom teeth that are not in the right place, affected by other teeth, or rotten may need to be extracted. Wisdom teeth often face issues such as lack of space, 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 for young adults at an earlier stage.
- Lastly, tooth extraction may be necessary for overcrowded teeth. When the size of the teeth does not match the size of the jaw, it can lead to a crowded and misaligned smile. Removing certain permanent teeth as part of an orthodontic treatment plan can help achieve a well-aligned, attractive, healthy, and functional bite.
How Is A Tooth Extraction Performed?
Our office is committed to providing the best possible care for dental extractions, regardless of the reasons behind them. Our dentist will carefully review your medical and dental histories and discuss any special considerations for your treatment.
It is crucial that you inform us of any existing medical conditions or medications you are currently taking. In certain cases, additional precautions such as antibiotics or a change in medication may be required. We may also need a medical clearance. Please follow all pre-surgical instructions and let us know if you are feeling unwell or experiencing any symptoms on the day of your surgery.
Our primary objective is to minimize anxiety and ensure your comfort during the tooth extraction process. Before the procedure, we will address any medical concerns or precautions and provide you with pre-surgical instructions. We will also discuss post-surgical recommendations, including the possibility of replacing the extracted tooth or teeth and the best options for your ongoing care.
To accurately assess the tooth and determine the appropriate extraction method, we will conduct a thorough examination and take digital radiographs as needed. Extractions are typically categorized as either "simple" or "surgical extractions."
What Is A Simple Extraction?
Our dentist will perform a simple extraction when the tooth is clearly visible in the mouth and the root structure is normal, without any abnormal hooks, fusion to the surrounding bone, or other unusual characteristics. To ensure your comfort, a local anesthetic will be administered to numb the tooth and surrounding tissues. The dentist will then gently loosen any attached periodontal tissues and use forceps to extract the tooth. Rest assured, your comfort and relaxation are our top priorities during every dental procedure.
What Is A Surgical Extraction?
If your teeth are extensively damaged, fused to the jawbone, or trapped, a surgical extraction is typically required. In these situations, we may refer you to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon who specializes in this procedure. During a surgical extraction, a small incision is made in the soft tissues to enable precise removal of the overlying bone, facilitating better access to the tooth. Similar to any tooth extraction, patients receive a local anesthetic to ensure complete numbness of the affected tooth and the surrounding area.
