dental venue - Dental Extractions (Tooth Removal)

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Tooth Removal

related: post-op tips / wisdom teeth

Just the term is enough to send a cold shiver down your spine. But the reality is that with today's technology, patient's often experience very little discomfort. There are many reasons why a tooth might need to be extracted. For example, some teeth may have too much decay to be saved by root canal therapy; there may not be enough tooth structure left to restore the tooth properly; or the tooth may be preventing another from erupting.

In a simple extraction, a dentist will anesthetize the area using a local analgesic, grasp the tooth with forceps and gently rock it back and forth until it is lose enough to deliver. In more complicated cases in which the tooth has not fully erupted, it may be necessary to first remove some of the overlying gum and bone for access.

The healing process usually takes between 1 to 2 weeks. However, how well you take care of the site will greatly affect its healing rate. Smoking and allowing food particles to remain in the socket should be avoided. Occasionally, the blood clot overlying a site will break down leaving what is known as a dry socket.

Dry Socket

Dry sockets occur after a tooth has been extracted where the blood clot fails to form or disintegrates prior to undergoing organization. A dry socket usually occurs as a result of too much rinsing, spitting or coughing following an extraction. The clot acts as a bandage over the extraction site. The most common symptom of dry socket is a constant throbbing discomfort lasting several days in duration. Contact your dentist if you have these symptoms.

Consequences

Over time, non-restored extractions sites can lead to the following problems:

Super-eruption of the teeth directly above or below the extraction site. Teeth have a natural tendency to keep erupting into the mouth; contact with teeth in the opposing arch prevents them from super-erupting.

Poor chewing function
Loss of facial support. Teeth give form to the face.
Malocclusion. Neighboring teeth tend to tip and shift into the newly available space, changing your bite

Note: It is important to note that before beginning any course of treatment you should see your dentist. Please note that without the benefit of a full dental examination, including a review of medical history, dental x-rays, and diagnostic aids, no attempt can be made to provide specific diagnosis or recommended courses of treatment. However, we will be happy to update our site to include topics you feel deserve mention. contact us