Our dentist performs extractions by loosening the tooth and removing it beneath the gum line. The tooth is then removed in whole or part, depending on the extent of the damage and decay. At Daniel Dentistry, we perform simple extractions on teeth visible in the mouth. These teeth are loosened with an elevator instrument and then gently removed. On the other hand, we perform surgical extractions when a tooth is broken off at the gum line or has not erupted fully. The dentist must cut away gum and bone tissue to access the impacted tooth in these cases. Once the tooth is exposed, it is removed using forceps.
While simple and surgical extractions are routine dental procedures, they should always be performed by a dentist or oral surgeon.
Reasons for Extractions
A tooth that is too decayed and damaged to be saved may require extraction. If a tooth is infected, that infection can spread throughout the body and cause other health complications. Removing the tooth can limit the spread of the disease and protect the rest of your body from harm. If your wisdom teeth have not erupted, they will most likely need to be extracted to prevent oral health problems from occurring in the future. While some patients can keep their wisdom teeth without experiencing any complications, the teeth are not essential to oral health and can potentially cause issues later. Impacted wisdom teeth cause several severe symptoms that should not be ignored.
Orthodontics is a very effective, painless way to improve your smile without surgery. However, severely overcrowded teeth and impacted third molars could render the treatment ineffective. In these cases, we’ll recommend an extraction. Since these treatments straighten your smile in the most effective way possible, we typically recommend replacing any teeth removed with dental implants. This will prevent the remaining teeth from shifting out of place after the extraction.
The Procedure For Extractions
Before your tooth extraction, your doctor will give you an anesthetic to numb the teeth being treated and the surrounding gums. During the procedure, the dentist will grasp the tooth with forceps and then rock it back and forth to loosen it from the socket. Once the tooth has been successfully removed, the gum is sutured closed and covered with a bandage.
Most patients will experience mild discomfort for several days after the procedure, which can be treated with over-the-counter pain medication. Bleeding is normal for a few days after the extraction as well. You can gently rinse your mouth with salt water to keep the area clean and prevent infection. Try to stick to a soft diet as you recover to avoid irritating the area further.
Sometimes, tooth extraction is the safest and healthiest option for the patient. Visit Daniel Dentistry at 19 Inverness Center Pkwy Suite 100, Birmingham, AL 35242, or call (205) 967-0760 for the best dental care.
