Being told you may need a tooth extraction can seem worrying, but don’t worry. This is a standard dental surgical procedure. There are various reasons why surgical extractions are recommended, from an infection, decaying tooth, or incoming wisdom teeth.
At i-Implant Dentistry, we keep our patients up-to-date on necessary dental procedures; we are with you every step of the way.
When Is Surgical Dental Extraction Necessary?
Dr. Chong and Dr. Bassas may suggest extracting a weakened tooth if it cannot be restored with a tooth-colored filling, a dental crown, or any other dental treatment.
Tooth extractions are also necessary when there isn’t enough room in your smile for orthodontic treatment or an emerging tooth. Other scenarios that call for a tooth extraction include:
- Deep infection
- Severe tooth decay
- Emerging permanent tooth or wisdom tooth
- Orthodontic treatment to make room for braces
- A damaged tooth that cannot be restored
- A tooth with long, curved roots
The Surgical Extraction Process
When a tooth is impacted, broken at the gumline, or has not yet emerged, we may need to remove gum tissue or bone to help clear the tooth. Surgical extractions typically require stitches to prevent infection and foster healing.
Before the procedure, we will review your medical history to determine any pre-existing health conditions or allergies. Digital x-rays allow us to look for any potential complications beneath the surface. Depending on the type of sedation dentistry we use, patients may need a safe ride home after their surgical appointment.
Wisdom teeth commonly need surgical extractions, especially if they have not completely erupted or are impacted.
Dental Extraction Aftercare
Every patient is different, including their healing process, which can take a couple of days up to a couple of weeks. We need to keep the area as clean and infection-free as possible, so we recommend soft foods immediately after the procedure and avoid smoking or drinking through straws.
Once the sedation wears off, there may be some discomfort that is common with surgeries. For most patients, over-the-counter pain medicine is perfect for reducing inflammation and pain. If you experience abnormal pain or bleeding, call our dental office immediately.
We Will Keep Your Smile Healthy
At i-Implant Dentistry, we know that dental procedures can seem scary, but they really don’t need to be. We work hard to keep patients as comfortable and stress-free as possible. A dental extraction can save your remaining teeth and your smile.
