Extractions
The primary objective of dentists is to protect your natural teeth and maintain their health for as long as possible. However, there are instances when having a tooth pulled is the only option to treat your pain. Regardless of the cause, tooth extraction is typically a safe and routine surgery. At Highlands Dental Arts, we use advanced techniques and technology to limit pain and discomfort.
Do I Need a Tooth Extraction?
The location and severity of the condition play an essential role in determining the complexity of the operation. For example, removing a front tooth with a single root is more straightforward than removing a molar with many roots. If you have a tooth that has suffered significant decay or trauma, tooth extraction might be your best option.
Reasons to Remove a Tooth
A tooth extraction operation can be necessary for cosmetic or health concerns. Some of the most common reasons for undergoing a tooth extraction include:
- Trauma or disease
- Baby teeth removal
- Removal for cosmetic treatment
- Impacted wisdom teeth
- Removal for orthodontic treatment
Tooth Extraction Procedure
A tooth extraction operation starts with an x-ray to determine the location of the tooth roots and the health of the surrounding bone. This will make detecting any potential issues before, during, or after the surgery easier. Your dentist will thoroughly review your medical history to ensure you are fit enough to have the surgery.
A local anesthetic is typically used during tooth extraction to numb the surrounding bone and gum tissues before removing a tooth. Your dentist might also recommend additional sedatives, such as oral sedation (taken as pills), nitrous oxide (inhaled), and IV sedation. The latter is typically necessary for extractions of many teeth or more complex procedures.
To assist in maintaining the bone volume in the socket, we may occasionally want to place a small amount of lab-processed bone-grafting material after removing a tooth. After the procedure, your dentist will clean your gums, suture the area if necessary, and place clean gauze over your wound.
Do You Need a Tooth Extraction in Vestavia Hills, AL?
A tooth extraction is an excellent solution for treating toothaches and removing severely damaged teeth. Our team at Highlands Dental Arts can help you regain your smile with our professional care. Give us a call today to get started!
