When is Tooth Removal Necessary?
The Royal Dental team will always do their utmost to help patients repair damaged teeth rather than having them removed. Our goal is to utilize the most conservative treatment options. When tooth extraction is necessary, our team will be happy to provide these services in a safe, comfortable, and stress free environment. Some of the situations where tooth extraction is necessary include:
- Severe decay or damage
- When primary “baby” teeth do not fall out on their own
- When a tooth is impacted (unable to erupt)
- Prior to orthodontic treatment for crowding
- Prior to the design and placement of a partial or full denture
- Third molars (wisdom teeth) are often removed due to inadequate space or impaction
How are Teeth Removed?
Teeth can typically be extracted in one of two ways – through pulling or surgical removal. Pulling teeth is possible only after a tooth is fully emerged from the gum line. We numb the area around the tooth. Then, it is shifted back and forth until it breaks free from the supportive structures. Surgical removal may include a number of different steps. Typically, we’ll need to cut away gum tissue to reveal more of the tooth structure. Some teeth can easily be removed at this point. For more deeply impacted or larger teeth, we may also need to drill into the supportive bone structures or break the tooth into smaller, more easily extracted pieces.
What Happens After Tooth Extraction?
Following the removal of one or more teeth, we’ll provide you with customized after care instructions, so you can make a complete, comfortable recovery. Some basics to keep in mind include:
- Consume only liquids for the first 48 hours
- Use ice packs at 20 minute intervals to control bleeding and limit inflammation
- Exchange the gauze regularly for the first two days as it becomes saturated
- Begin eating more foods as you feel comfortable, but avoid chewing near the extraction site
- Brush and floss as usual, but don’t brush the vacated socket
Do I Need a Replacement Tooth?
Some teeth that we remove, like wisdom teeth and primary teeth, don’t need to be replaced. Teeth lost due to trauma or decay, will typically need to be restored. We offer a variety of tooth replacement options, and we’ll work with you to develop your restoration plan before we ever remove your tooth. Our skilled team can provide both traditional and implant supported tooth replacement using dental crowns, bridges, partials, and full dentures.
