Tooth Extraction It is common that many patients will require tooth extractions in their lifetimes. The official name for this procedure is known as exodontia. They are most frequently needed when there is advanced tooth decay, dental trauma, or advanced gum disease. They may also be required when wisdom teeth do not properly come in and pose a threat to other teeth and their proper alignment. If these teeth are not properly attended to and removed, gum infections can occur, complicating the oral health of the patient. Initially, less drastic measures will be attempted but if they do not yield the desired result, extraction will be necessary.Before any treatment regimen can be recommended, we will need to perform an evaluation and create a post-extraction plan. It is important to discuss and weigh the options available for tooth replacement. Every patient has different needs and will require custom care. Please contact our office Mission Hills Periodontics for an office visit. What is an Extraction?An extraction is the removal of a tooth from the gum tissue. There are simple extractions and surgical extractions. With a simple extraction, our office will use a numbing agent and apply it to the gum and tooth to deaden the sensation. With this type of extraction, our office will gently remove the tooth, drawing it from the socket holding it. With surgical extraction, the same numbing agent is used, and a precise incision is made at the gumline before the tooth is removed. In some cases, if the tooth is deeply embedded or impacted in the jawbone, it may have to be broken into smaller, more manageable pieces before extraction. Most times, wisdom teeth removal requires a surgical extraction in which sedation is needed. Sedation dentistry can provide a relaxed atmosphere and adequate comfort to the patient so they can be relaxed while the surgical procedure is being performed. It typically takes a few days to fully recover from a tooth extraction. If gum disease is discovered during the initial exam, an extraction will be recommended. This is to remove the infected tooth so the infection will not spread to other teeth and tissues in the mouth. How is Extraction Related to Restorative Dentistry?Tooth extraction has been around for hundreds of years. However, it has progressed to a simple procedure with little chance of infection and complete satisfaction with the results. Our staff typically will advise a soft food diet and rest following the extraction to stimulate quick healing. While we will recommend continuing to brush, it is incredibly important to be careful while brushing around the extraction site. While resting, it is important to have the head in an upward position to diminish swelling which should go down after two days. Anti-inflammatory meds can be prescribed if necessary or when the patient has a history of inflammation problems. When you have lost your teeth, are suffering from pain, or had your teeth damaged by decay or neglect, extraction may be the best available solution. We provide answers to your questions and meaningful treatment options when we engage with our patients. Come see us at Mission Hills Periodontics or call us at (619) 356-5989 for your first office visit. |
