Tooth extraction is a common dental procedure and may be necessary for a variety of reasons. Teeth may need to be completely removed because of damage or decay, or they may need to be pulled to make more room in the mouth, such as for braces, or to prevent future problems, such as in the case of wisdom teeth.
Regardless of the reason, nearly all tooth extractions consist of removing both the tooth and the root and then either filling the remaining socket with an artificial tooth, letting the socket heal (in wisdom teeth removal), or allowing the adult tooth to erupt properly (if baby teeth were pulled).
Tooth extraction is one of the many services offered at Castle Dental, and we do everything we can to help make the experience as seamless and stress-free as possible. Most of our tooth extractions can be performed right here in our office, while sedation dentistry options are available at many of our locations and can help relieve anxiety and minimize pain.*
*Please check with the Castle Dental location nearest you to discuss your available options for sedation dentistry.
Your dentist will do everything they can to preserve your natural smile. However, there are times when you may need to have one or more teeth extracted to protect both your oral and overall health.
Wisdom teeth removal
Impacted or infected wisdom teeth are the most commonly extracted teeth. Wisdom teeth are a third set of molars that are often unnecessary but can cause bigger problems with overcrowding, misalignment, or decay below the gumline.
Crowded or misaligned teeth
Crowded or misaligned teeth may need to be removed, especially if you or your child is being prepared for orthodontic treatment. Crowded or misaligned teeth can be hard to keep clean and they can cause problems in the way the jaw and mouth function.
Tooth decay
While mild decay can be treated with restorative procedures like fillings or root canals, more severe tooth decay may result in extraction, especially if too much of the healthy tissue and bone have deteriorated. Tooth decay is an infection that can spread to your gums, jaw bone, or even other parts of your body, and if it can’t be removed, then the tooth will need to be extracted.
Damaged teeth
Damaged teeth can often be repaired with treatment like root canals, crowns, or dental bonding. However, if you have sustained a severe dental injury that has exposed or affected the pulp of your tooth, the tooth may not be repairable. Similarly, if you wait too long to treat a damaged tooth, decay and infection can set in, making it nearly impossible to save the tooth.
Abscessed tooth
An abscessed tooth is a tooth that is severely infected, causing its dental pulp to deteriorate. If left untreated, the infection could spread to the rest of your mouth. Root canals are the most common solution for an abscessed tooth, but if the infection is too severe and the tooth too decayed, an extraction may be the solution.
However, tooth extractions are almost always necessary to preserve your oral and overall health, so you should never forgo an extraction because of cost. In addition to accepting most major dental insurances, as well as CareCredit, Castle Dental offers a variety of flexible financing and payment plans to help you afford the dental care you need, including tooth extractions. Contact the Castle Dental nearest you to find out more.
Teeth are removed through either simple or surgical extractions.
Simple extraction does not involve any incisions or anesthesia. A local numbing agent helps reduce any pain or discomfort, then the tooth is gently lifted out of its socket using a dental elevator and forceps. Any infected tissue in the gums is removed once the tooth is extracted.
A surgical extraction is necessary if the tooth is impacted or broken below the gumline. An incision is made in the gumline, the tooth and roots are removed, and the incision is sutured closed. Light sedation or anesthesia is typically required for a surgical extraction.
The space left from an extracted tooth will need to heal properly to prevent complications.
Then, in most cases, you will need to replace the tooth once the extraction site has healed*
Replacing missing teeth is important for preserving the proper function and appearance of your facial structure. Gaps in your smile can cause remaining teeth to shift out of alignment and they make it easier for bacteria and infection to enter your gum and jawline, jeopardizing the health of your other teeth. Missing teeth can also cause your jawbone to deteriorate and develop a “sunken” look.
Dental implants and bridges are common treatments for replacing a few missing teeth. If many teeth have to be extracted, partial or complete dentures may be necessary.
Dental implants consist of a tiny titanium screw surgically inserted into the jawbone, onto which an abutment and a crown or prosthetic tooth are placed. Dental implants can be used to replace one or several teeth. They are a permanent solution for missing teeth and look and function just like natural teeth.
A dental bridge is a prosthetic device used to fill a gap that is made of an artificial tooth–or several artificial teeth–and attached to neighboring natural teeth using crowns. A dental bridge is not permanent, instead resting on top of the gumline.
*Tooth replacement is not usually necessary in the case of wisdom teeth removal or the extraction of baby (deciduous) teeth.
Tooth extraction is often essential care to preserving your overall health. If cost or anxiety are keeping you from having a tooth extracted, contact a Castle Dental location near you. Sedation dentistry options at some locations can help alleviate your stress and fear, and our wide range of payment options can help relieve the financial burden.
Take care of your teeth and future with safe, professional, and compassionate tooth extraction services from Castle Dental. We can also help with tooth replacement solutions like implants and bridges as well as routine cleanings and exams, so you can finally have the beautiful, healthy smile you deserve. Schedule an appointment today!
Orthodontics may be provided by general dentists.
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