What is tooth extraction?
A tooth extraction, or having your tooth pulled, is a dental procedure where your tooth is entirely removed. This is considered an oral surgery and is done by an oral surgeon, periodontist, or general surgeon.
There are two main types of tooth extraction:
Simple extraction
A simple tooth extraction is usually done on teeth that are visible and removed using local anesthesia.
Surgical extraction
Surgical extraction is usually performed on teeth that are below the gum line, or if the tooth is not easily accessible for some reason. In some cases, it may be necessary to use grafted bone material to build up areas of bone loss as part of your extraction.
Why do I need a tooth extraction?
There are several reasons why you may need a tooth extraction.
These include:
- Severe damage from tooth decay or trauma
- To prevent the spread of infection
- To prevent teeth overcrowding
- To prevent bone loss due to periodontal disease
- To relieve tooth impaction, such as with wisdom tooth removal
If your dental expert suggests tooth extraction, you are in good hands at Wall St Dental Spa.
What does a tooth extraction entail?
When you arrive for your tooth extraction, the dental team uses sedation dentistry techniques to help you relax and be pain-free during your procedure. You may be very relaxed, semi-awake, or completely asleep during your extraction.
When the dentist performs your extraction, they cut away soft and bone tissue holding your tooth in place. They grasp the tooth using forceps and remove the tooth. Some teeth may need to be broken into smaller pieces to be removed. Self-dissolving stitches may be required to close the gums.
A blood clot naturally forms at the extraction site, which helps control bleeding and protects the bone and nerves exposed during the extraction. It’s important you follow any post-procedure instructions in order to protect this blood clot and prevent delays in healing.
If an extraction with bone grafting is needed, your procedure and recovery time may take a bit longer than a regular extraction depending on the type of bone grafting that’s done.
To schedule your tooth extraction, call or book an appointment online with Wall St Dental Spa.
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