Dental Extractions: What You Need to KnowDo you have a tooth that is severely decayed, infected, damaged, or crowded? Do you need to have your wisdom teeth removed? If so, you may need a dental extraction.
There are two types of dental extractions: simple and surgical.- Simple extraction. This is the removal of a tooth that is visible and easily accessible in your mouth. It is usually performed by a general dentist using local anesthesia and dental instruments. A simple extraction involves loosening the tooth with an elevator and pulling it out with forceps.
- Surgical extraction. This is the removal of a tooth that is not visible or fully erupted in your mouth. It may be impacted, broken, or embedded in the bone. A surgical extraction requires just a little more time and requires surgical intervention to free the tooth from you mouth.
Reasons for Dental ExtractionsThere are various reasons why you may need a dental extraction, such as:
- Tooth decay or infection. If your tooth is severely decayed or infected and cannot be saved by a filling, root canal, or crown, it may need to be extracted to prevent further damage and pain.
- Tooth damage or trauma. If your tooth is cracked, broken, or fractured due to an injury or accident and cannot be repaired by a filling, crown, or other restoration, it may need to be extracted to avoid infection and complications.
- Tooth crowding or misalignment. If your teeth are too big for your mouth or are out of alignment, you may need to have one or more teeth extracted to create space for orthodontic treatment or to improve your bite and appearance.
- Wisdom teeth removal. Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars that usually erupt in your late teens or early twenties. Sometimes, they can cause problems such as pain, infection, cysts, damage to neighboring teeth, or gum disease. In these cases, you may need to have your wisdom teeth removed to prevent further issues.
Anxiety-Free ExperienceDepending on your level of anxiety and the complexity of the procedure, we may recommend one of the following sedation methods:
- Oral sedation. This is a moderate sedative that you take as a pill before the procedure. It helps you feel drowsy and relaxed while still being able to respond to verbal commands. The effects may last for several hours after the procedure.
- IV sedation. Full sedation involves administering medication through an intravenous (IV) line in your arm that will put you into a state of unconsciousness. You will not feel any pain or discomfort during the procedure and you will have no memory of it afterwards. Full sedation is usually reserved for complex or lengthy procedures that require extensive surgery. It is also recommended for patients who have severe dental anxiety or phobia, medical conditions that affect their ability to cooperate. Full sedation requires careful monitoring of your vital signs and oxygen levels during the procedure. You will also need someone present throughout the procedure and to take you back home and monitor you as the effects last for hours after the procedure.
We will monitor your vital signs and ensure your safety and comfort throughout the procedure. We will also provide you with post-operative instructions and pain medication as needed.
Contact Us TodayIf you need a dental extraction, contact us today to book an appointment. We are happy to answer any questions you may have and help you achieve the best possible outcome for your oral health.