Though it’s not a procedure that’s necessary on a regular basis, tooth extraction serves a purpose in a few distinct scenarios, all of which require a healthy level of consideration from our Southgate, MI, dentists. Our primary intention is to save your teeth so when extraction seems like the best option, we take the decision seriously.
Here’s what you can expect if you’re in line for and times when it surpasses all other restorative treatments.
General Overview of the Procedure
Before removing any teeth, our dentists will start by reviewing both your medical and dental history. It’s common for a few digital X-rays to also happen at this time. X-ray images of any tooth in question will help our dentists see below the gum line and understand its length, shape, and position. Otherwise, we’d only be able to observe with the naked eye and many critical pieces of information would go unnoticed.
If it is determined that no other procedures can be performed, our dentists will start by numbing the area surrounding your tooth using local anesthetic. Thanks to the numbing, you should not feel pain during the tooth extraction process. If you experience discomfort at any point or would prefer laughing gas be used as well, please let our dentists know.
Read More → 3 Surprising Benefits of Tooth Extraction
After the tooth and gum tissue are properly numbed, we’ll loosen the tooth with an “elevator”, a tool commonly used in extractions. The tooth will then be fully removed using dental forceps. The entire procedure is straightforward and rather quick from start to finish.
Two Types of Extraction: Simple vs. Surgical
Our dentists primarily handle but we can also refer you to a local oral surgeon for surgical extractions when needed. The difference between the two lies in their general procedure with one being a bit more intensive than the other.
Simple tooth extractions involve our dentists removing teeth that are clearly visible. By this, we mean above the gumline. Surgical tooth extractions, on the other hand, are more complex and deal with teeth that are either broken at the gum line or those that have not yet erupted. For example, impacted wisdom teeth require this type of extraction as they’re still quite concealed by gum tissue and can’t be easily lifted out.
Wisdom teeth aside, it’s more likely that severe issues with your fully erupted adult teeth can be dealt with by our dentists inside our Southgate dental office using the simple extraction process.
Teeth May Have to Be Pulled If There Is:
1) Severe Tooth Decay
Our dentists will always recommend that you brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss once daily, and receive dental cleanings twice a year. Incorporating these actions will greatly improve the short and long term health of your smile. It’s when oral care is ignored, that decay sets in.
Learn More → Why Are Teeth Cleanings Recommended Every 6 Months?
Cavities are easier to work with and may only require tooth-colored fillings or a dental crown to save the tooth. However, when decay reaches your tooth’s pulp (inner portion containing nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue), it can cause infection and increased sensitivity.
If caught earlier, our dentists can perform a root canal procedure but if left untreated, extraction may be the only way to limit the infection’s spread not just within the mouth but the rest of the body as well. Unchecked decay related to gum disease may also lead to tooth removal being the primary solution.
2) A Recent Tooth Injury or Other Signs of Damage
Experiencing a blow to the mouth during a sports game or other accidental incident is never fun. If teeth weren’t immediately knocked out, they may have been cracked, fractured, or otherwise severely damaged. This kind of trauma can compromise the structural integrity of the tooth, making it vulnerable to infections, decay, or further breakage. What may initially seem like a minor injury can escalate into a more serious dental issue if not addressed promptly.
If the tooth’s root, nerves, or surrounding bone have been significantly affected, repair may no longer be an option. In these instances of tooth damage, our dentists have no choice but to resort to extraction for the sake of your entire smile.
By removing the promptly, we can prevent these issues from affecting your oral health and preserve the integrity of your remaining teeth. It may not be the ideal solution, but in some cases, it’s the best way to protect your long-term smile health and ensure a quick recovery.
3) Intense Overcrowding
Sometimes there just isn’t enough space in your mouth for all of your teeth. Extracting teeth for this reason is commonly done when making room for orthodontic treatment. That’s because your teeth can’t be properly moved into position if there is no room left.
If you’re planning on working with a local orthodontist to pursue clear aligners or metal braces, our dentists can discuss whether extraction is needed or not.
Have Your Smile Examined Today
If our , could ensure you always keep your permanent teeth, we would. Sometimes, however, life has other plans. For this reason, we may have to bring up the topic of tooth extraction at some point but only if it’s best for your smile. Call Northline Dental today at (734) 284-8088 to request an appointment.
This blog post has been updated.