Extractions
Extractions
Natural teeth are hard to replicate, and permanent teeth are intended to last a lifetime. So, generally speaking, dental extraction is rarely our first option at Live Oak Dental Group. Nonetheless, dental extraction is sometimes recommended.
If you have apprehension towards the extraction, that’s normal. Some patients worry about the complications and consequences associated with removing a tooth. Instead of avoiding extraction altogether, our mission is to educate patients on:
- Why extraction is considered the best option in their unique scenario
- What the procedure is like, and how it can be made a little easier to handle
- If required, which restorations are most suitable for you
Reach out to our team to learn more about your dental extraction options or if you have questions regarding the procedure.
When is a dental extraction necessary?
At Live Oak Dental Group, we may recommend a dental extraction for a wide range of reasons, including:
- Impacted wisdom teeth
- Irreversible damage
- Severe infection or cavity that impacts the tooth root
- Advanced periodontal (gum) disease
- Before orthodontic treatment (if needed)
- After chemotherapy (if required)
What happens during every step of a dental extraction?
Before dentists approve dental extraction, he or she must consult with the patient to see if it’s necessary, explain what will happen during the procedure, and go over your surgical options.
Before
Before surgery, one of our Live Oak Dental Group dentists will prep for the procedure by numbing the area with local anesthesia. Additionally, he or she may offer sedation dentistry (dependent on what you are comfortable with) to relax you during the procedure.
During
After preparation, your dentist will create an incision in the gum and remove the entire tooth from its socket using specialized tools. Following tooth removal, you may require stitches to attach the gum tissue flap back into place.
Dental Restorations
While patients don’t need to worry about replacing their wisdom teeth or teeth removed prior to orthodontics, some worry about spaces in their smiles following extraction. Depending on which tooth is being pulled, your dentist may suggest a natural-looking restoration to replace the natural tooth. Live Oak Dental Group offers several prosthetic dental options, including dental bridges, dentures, and dental implants. Speak with your doctor about which option is the most suitable for you.
After
A dental extraction is a serious procedure that requires post-operative care to ensure proper healing. Immediately after extraction, you will need someone responsible to drive you home if you choose moderate to heavy sedation. As your surgical site heals, you may need to:
- Adjust your diet
- Take prescribed medications as directed
- Avoid touching the surgical area
- Restrict daily activities
- Safely manage potential swelling, bleeding, and discomfort
- Be gentle with the mouth
