Important Information About Tooth Extraction
At Westwood Dental Esthetics, our primary focus is on the care and well-being of our patients. Our team of highly trained experts is dedicated to providing a dental experience that is both comfortable and stress-free. We offer compassionate and individualized attention, as well as gentle and precise treatment, which has garnered the admiration and confidence of our patients.
Although our main goal is to maintain the health and appearance of your natural smile, there are instances where tooth extraction becomes essential in order to safeguard your oral health and overall well-being.
There are various common reasons for which our office may suggest tooth extraction.
- An over-retained deciduous tooth, commonly known as a "baby" tooth, that is severely decayed or damaged. In some cases, a baby tooth may not naturally fall out when the permanent tooth comes in. 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 prolonged presence of baby teeth can affect the development and alignment of your child's smile. Our team will closely monitor your child's smile as they grow and will inform you if and when it is necessary to remove a baby tooth in order to facilitate the proper eruption of the permanent tooth.
- 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.
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A tooth that has suffered severe fracture or cracking and cannot be repaired. There are various types 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 a substantial amount of tooth structure or the root is compromised, extraction may be required.
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Impacted, malpositioned, or decayed wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last permanent teeth to come in and usually emerge last. However, they often face problems such as lack of space to come in, improper growth, extensive decay, or causing issues for nearby teeth and tissues. While wisdom tooth extraction may be suggested for older people, it is more commonly advised to remove problematic or potentially troublesome third molars in young adults at an earlier stage.
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Overcrowded Teeth: Overcrowded teeth occur when the size of the teeth does not match the size of the jaw. This can result in a smile that is misaligned and crowded. In order 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.
What is the procedure for performing a tooth extraction?
Our office is committed to providing the best possible care for dental extractions, regardless of the reasons behind them. Our dentist will begin by thoroughly reviewing your medical and dental histories, as well as discussing any specific factors that need to be taken into account for your treatment.
Please ensure that you notify us about any medical conditions or medications you are currently using. In some cases, additional measures like antibiotics or a modification in medication may be required. It is possible that we may also need a medical clearance. Kindly adhere to all pre-surgical instructions and inform us if you feel unwell or encounter any symptoms on the day of your surgery.
Our primary objective is to reduce anxiety and guarantee your comfort throughout the tooth extraction process. Prior to the procedure, we will address any medical concerns or precautions and furnish you with pre-surgical instructions. Additionally, we will discuss post-surgical recommendations, such as the potential for tooth replacement and the most suitable care options for you.
In order to accurately evaluate the tooth and determine the appropriate extraction method, we will perform a comprehensive examination and take digital radiographs if required. Extractions are generally categorized as either "simple" or "surgical" extractions.
What does a simple extraction involve?
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, it is classified as a simple extraction. Our dentist will apply a local anesthetic to numb the tooth and the surrounding tissues. They will then carefully loosen any connected periodontal tissues and use forceps to extract the tooth. Ensuring your comfort and relaxation is our top priority throughout every dental procedure.
What does the term "Surgical Extraction" mean?
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 carefully remove the overlying bone and gain better access to the tooth. Similar to any tooth extraction, patients receive a local anesthetic to ensure the affected tooth and surrounding area are completely numb.