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At Southeastern Dental, we do everything possible to prevent the need for tooth extractions, but sometimes a tooth is badly damaged and can not be saved. Our dentists are highly skilled in performing tooth extractions. Our staff will ensure you receive high-quality dental care and that you’re comfortable before, during, and after your tooth extraction.
There are two common types of tooth extractions: simple and surgical.
A simple extraction is performed on teeth that are visible in the mouth.
Simple extractions are typically performed when a tooth is severely damaged either by decay or a fracture, overcrowding of the teeth or to prepare for dental appliances like dentures or braces.
A surgical extraction is performed on teeth that cannot be seen in the mouth or are difficult to access. This type of extraction may require cutting the gum tissue or removal of bone and is sometimes performed by oral surgeons.
Surgical extractions, like wisdom teeth, are generally performed when permanent teeth are impacted. Impacted means the tooth has not erupted through the gum line or has only partially erupted. The affected tooth or teeth may need to be removed because they are causing severe pain, have become infected, or prevent surrounding teeth from erupting.
Teeth may be extracted for a variety of reasons. Some common reasons include:
We will determine if a tooth needs to be extracted during your regular dental or emergency visit by performing an oral examination. The oral examination will include a visual inspection of the mouth and teeth and digital x-rays to check for decay or other problems.
Once it is determined that a tooth needs to be extracted and what tooth extraction technique our dentist will use, we can schedule you for an extraction appointment.
Understanding what to expect during and after tooth extraction can help reduce dental anxiety and ensure a smooth recovery.
For simple tooth extraction, we will start by numbing the extraction site with either a local anesthetic or sedative. Next, the dentist will loosen the tooth with an elevator instrument. Once the tooth is loose, forceps are used to remove the tooth.
Just like with simple extractions, the first step in a surgical tooth extraction is to numb the area around the tooth. In some cases, this can be done with local anesthesia or a sedative, but others may require general anesthesia.
Next, the dentist or oral surgeon will make an incision in the gum tissue to expose the bone and tooth. The bone around the tooth may need to be removed with a drill before forceps can be used to remove the tooth. In some cases, the tooth may need to be removed in sections.
Once the tooth has been extracted, a blood clot will form in the tooth socket to begin the healing process. This blood clot must not be disturbed as it can lead to complications like a dry socket.
You will need to avoid hot liquids, eat soft foods, and limit physical activity for a few days to reduce bleeding and promote healing.
Our dental professionals at Southeastern Dental in Columbus, GA, can help if you need a tooth extraction. So give us a call to schedule a tooth extraction appointment today! We will work with you to ensure you are comfortable and well-informed throughout the process.