Losing a Tooth and Regaining Your Healthy Smile: Understanding Dental Extractions
Dental extractions, or teeth removal, are typically considered procedures of “last resort.” Abingdon Smiles only removes essential teeth when we absolutely have to, in cases where the health of the mouth and potentially the rest of the body are at stake. So, when your badly injured or severely decayed tooth cannot be preserved through other means (like crowns and root canal treatment), our team in Abingdon, Virginia, will recommend its removal to prevent complications that could affect other teeth, parts of your mouth, and more.
How do you know if tooth removal is the best option?
The regular dental “checkup” is a cornerstone of preventive and general dentistry. It also guides our recommendations for cosmetic and restorative treatment, including extractions. During these appointments, scheduled every six months, one of our dentists will use their know-how and technologies, such as X-rays, to assess the overall condition of your teeth, gums, and other supportive tissues and structures. Based on what we find during these exams, extractions may be recommended.
Why have you removed teeth before?
We have extracted teeth for a variety of different reasons. For instance, when a tooth has deep internal inflammation or infection caused by chronic decay, it may not be a good candidate for root canal therapy. Or, there have been situations where the tooth hasn’t healed properly following RCT or other endodontic procedures to treat deep inflammation/infection.
Certain fractures or cracks may also make the affected teeth vulnerable to further damage, necessitating their removal. Also, if teeth do not develop properly, they can become impacted or trapped in the jawbone. In these cases, the tooth would need to come out to ease the often intense pain and pressure associated with impaction and to prevent damage to neighboring teeth and structures.
Do you need to replace every tooth that is extracted?
Generally, yes. Prompt replacement of the tooth is a “must.” However, there is one exception to this rule: wisdom teeth.
Why are wisdom teeth the exception?
Wisdom teeth are vulnerable to impaction. As they are the last teeth to break through the gums at the very back of your mouth, there is often insufficient space for them to develop properly. Without adequate room to grow, these molars may erupt at angles and fail to break through the gums fully. Or, they may become completely trapped in the jaw. After these teeth have been removed, we do not need to replace them because they are not necessary for healthy chewing and other essential functions.
Will getting my tooth removed hurt?
No treatment at our office should ever cause pain. We will discuss any anxieties or concerns you may have and address them well in advance of your appointment. We generally ensure that your tooth is fully numbed before extracting it begins. Also, the process itself is largely straightforward.
For most intact and easy-to-access teeth, we simply use special techniques and dental instruments to loosen and lift them from their sockets. Of course, we will also review instructions for aftercare with you. Understanding and following those instructions for the first hours and days after your procedure is important. By adhering to instructions provided by Abingdon Smiles, you support healthy and fast healing and also prevent complications that can produce pain and delay your recovery.
Call (276) 628-7862 today with any additional or specific questions for our team in Abingdon, VA.
