The extraction method used will depend on the type and location of the tooth, and whether any extenuating circumstances exist that could complicate its removal.<\/span><\/p>\n

Before any extraction procedure, the dentist will perform a proper assessment and diagnosis of the tooth including its position in the mouth and any possible removal complications. This assessment will include recent x-rays and a complete medical history, including current prescription drugs that might interact with any anesthesia.<\/span><\/p>\n

While some people are apprehensive about tooth extraction, modern extraction techniques aided by anesthesia are pain-free with only mild to moderate discomfort for a few days after the procedure. In many cases, dentists can extract teeth with a straightforward removal path using a minimally invasive technique known as simple extraction.<\/span><\/p>\n

The periodontal ligament, an elastic gum tissue that attaches to the teeth on one side with tiny fibers and to the jawbone on the other side in a similar fashion, holds teeth in place. During a simple extraction, the dentist carefully manipulates the tooth until the fibers release their grip on the tooth. Experienced dentists develop a feel for how the fibers disconnect, so the tooth usually comes loose without any extended effort or discomfort for the patient. <\/span>Dentists usually perform simple extractions using local anesthesia or in combination with other sedation methods like inhaled anesthetic gas.<\/p>\n

There are other situations, though, for which a simple extraction isn\u2019t feasible: teeth with multiple roots without a straight removal path; impacted teeth; or teeth with brittle roots that could break apart during extraction. In these cases, a surgical extraction performed by an oral surgeon will be necessary, typically using heavier sedation methods like intravenous sedation or general anesthesia.<\/span><\/p>\n

After an Extraction<\/span><\/h2>\n

<\/p>\n

What takes place after the extraction is just as necessary as the actual procedure itself. After controlling any bleeding, the dentist will more than likely fill the open socket with bone grafting material before suturing the gum closed. Because bone loss is likely to occur after a tooth extraction, a bone graft will encourage new growth and minimize any potential loss. This is extremely important if the patient eventually plans to replace the extracted tooth with a dental implant (which requires bone to support it) or to maintain bone health during orthodontic treatment.<\/span><\/p>\n

The dentist will give you care instructions for keeping the site cleaned and maintained until the soft tissue heals. He or she may also prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve minor pain, which should subside in a few days.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tooth extractions are one of the most common procedures in dentistry. Even so, your dentist won\u2019t recommend an extraction unless it\u2019s absolutely necessary\u2014to treat a current health issue or to improve your future oral health.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you must undergo an extraction, though, your dentist will endeavor to make sure the procedure and recuperation period is as comfortable and pain-free as possible. He or she will also prepare the extraction site for the future so that your extracted tooth won\u2019t mean a permanent loss of either function or appearance.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

One of the primary treatment goals in dentistry is to preserve teeth. Even the most advanced and lifelike prosthetic replacement can\u2019t compare to a natural tooth for function, health and appearance. There are times, however, when extracting a tooth might be in your best long-term health interest. If that happens there are effective methods to […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":21,"featured_media":14220,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[62,59],"tags":[101,70,247],"class_list":["post-14219","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-dental-practice","category-oral-health","tag-dental-health","tag-oral-care","tag-tooth-extraction"],"yoast_head":"\n