A tooth extraction is a necessary dental service that involves removing a tooth from its socket in the jawbone. The dentists at Storts Family Dentistry can provide you with a tooth extraction in Madill and Ardmore, OK if you ever require one. However, we always strive to preserve the natural teeth. Unfortunately, there are situations where an extraction becomes the best option for our patient’s oral health and overall well-being.
Common Reasons for Tooth Extraction
A tooth extraction is only used when necessary. Your dentist may suggest it for various reasons. Here is a list of common reasons our dental team may utilize extractions.
- Severe Decay: If you suffer from tooth decay and do not have the tooth treated, the decay can advance and severely damage the tooth. When a tooth becomes significantly compromised and cannot be effectively treated with a dental filling or root canal, the only other option is to extract the tooth. This will prevent the spread of infection to surrounding teeth.
- Gum Disease: Untreated gum disease will advance into periodontitis, the advanced stage of gum disease. This can cause your teeth to start loosening. In many of these cases, extracting the affected tooth can prevent further damage to the surrounding tissues and bones.
- Impacted Teeth: Impacted teeth, such as wisdom teeth, do not have enough space to emerge properly. This can cause further problems. Impacted teeth lead to pain, infection, and potential damage to adjacent teeth. Removing impacted teeth is a common dental procedure.
- Orthodontic Treatment: Another common dental practice is to remove some teeth for orthodontic treatment. It will create space to help achieve proper alignment.
- Trauma: Teeth that are severely damaged due to accidents or trauma may need to be extracted if they cannot be effectively restored.
About Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of molars located at the back of the mouth. These teeth typically emerge during late adolescence or early adulthood. Due to evolution, our jaws have become smaller, leaving inadequate space for these additional teeth. As a result, wisdom teeth often become impacted. This simply means they cannot fully emerge from the gum line. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, swelling, infection, and even cyst formation. To prevent these issues and maintain oral health, dentists often recommend removing wisdom teeth.
Steps in the Tooth Extraction Process
- Your dentist will start by examining the tooth’s condition and your overall oral health. They will take X-rays to determine the tooth’s position, shape, and roots. Based on this exam, your dentist will develop a personalized extraction plan.
- All tooth extraction procedures will be performed under local anesthesia. We will administer it to numb the tooth and the surrounding area. This will ensure you do not feel any pain while your tooth is being extracted. For complex cases, multiple extractions, or if you suffer from dental anxiety, we also offer sedation dentistry for your comfort.
- Using specialized dental instruments, your dentist gently loosens the tooth from its socket. In some cases, a tooth might need to be divided into smaller pieces for easier removal. Your dentist will ensure that there is minimal trauma to the surrounding tissues and bones during the extraction.
- After your tooth is removed, we will clean and remove any debris from the extraction site. If required, your dentist will use sutures to close up your wound to promote proper healing. A gauze layer is placed over the extraction site to control bleeding and facilitate blood clot formation.
- We will provide you with specific post-extraction care instructions. It is important to follow these care instructions carefully to help you heal properly and manage your pain. Diligently following these instructions will also help avoid a dry socket, a condition that can occur after an extraction.
Options for Replacing Extracted Teeth
After a tooth extraction, it’s essential to consider your tooth replacement options. This will help you maintain your oral health, oral function, and aesthetics. Patients have several options to replace extracted teeth:
Dental Implants
Dental implants are a popular and long-lasting option for tooth replacement. A titanium implant is surgically placed in the jawbone, serving as a sturdy foundation for a custom-made dental crown. Dental implants look and function like natural teeth, providing a permanent solution for tooth loss. To learn more about the dental implant process, see Dental Implants.
Dental Bridges
Dental bridges consist of one or more artificial teeth anchored to adjacent natural teeth or dental implants. Bridges are an effective way to fill the gap left by the extracted tooth, restoring the patient’s ability to chew and speak properly. To learn more about the different types of dental bridges, see Dental Bridge.
Dentures
Dentures are removable appliances that replace multiple missing teeth. They can be full dentures, replacing all teeth in an arch, or partial dentures, filling gaps between natural teeth. Dentures are convenient and offer a cost-effective solution for tooth replacement. To learn more about the benefits of dentures, see Dentures and Partials.
A tooth extraction is a necessary general dentistry treatment that will help improve the oral health of many patients. If you are experiencing tooth pain or need to schedule your regular dental appointment, contact Storts Family Dentistry today. You can reach us at (580) 260-3410 or by requesting an appointment online.