No one wants to lose a tooth to poor oral hygiene or injury. However, in some cases losing a tooth is actually beneficial to the health and appearance of a patient’s smile. Why do we need extractions? Well, extracting a tooth may be necessary to address a serious oral health concern or prevent misalignment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Extractions
Question: Why do we need extractions?
Answer: There are multiple situations where removing a tooth is beneficial to a person. First, if a tooth becomes infected or abscessed then extraction can prevent the spread of infection. If the patient has wisdom teeth then removing these third molars can prevent impaction, infection, misalignment, or damage to the rear molars. Should a tooth incur substantial damage then removing and replacing the tooth may be the best option.
Question: What does the procedure involve?
Answer: The doctor will loosen the tooth and use forceps to rock the tooth loose and remove it from the jaw. Once the area clots it will be sutured closed and the doctor will provide detailed aftercare instruction to ensure everything heals properly.
Question: Will the procedure be uncomfortable?
Answer: First, the dentist will administer a local anesthetic to ensure the procedure is comfortable. If you feel nervous, the doctor can also administer either nitrous oxide or IV sedation to help you enter a calm, relaxed state. We often recommend sedation dentistry for patients who are anxious or have avoided prior dental care due to fear or nervousness.
Question: Can you replace the tooth?
Answer: If the teeth removed are third molars then replacement isn’t necessary. However, if you lose a tooth prematurely to infection or damage we can recommend a replacement option. Dental implants are inserted into the jaw, with a titanium post acting as a new tooth root. We then top the implant post with a lifelike restoration. Once in play, your new tooth will look natural.
