As dental professionals, we’re focused on helping patients preserve their natural teeth. However, in some cases maintaining a healthy smile means safely and comfortably removing teeth. When do teeth require an extraction? What should a patient expect from the procedure?
Ensuring Your Comfort
We will administer a local anesthetic to ensure the procedure is comfortable. The patient may feel a little pressure, but we will take steps to limit discomfort. For nervous patients, we can also discuss dental sedation to help the patient feel relaxed and calm throughout the procedure. We will then offer detailed information on caring for the area as it heals, including foods to eat or avoid.
Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth arrive in a patient’s late teens or 20s. These are four additional molars that erupt, forcing 32 teeth in an area that typically only holds 28. As a result, misalignment can form, as well as infection or even impaction, in which the teeth can only partially erupt. To avoid discomfort and problems with oral health, we will remove the teeth before they erupt.
Infections
If caught early, we can treat an infection with a root canal procedure. We then cap the tooth with a lifelike dental crown. However, should the infection reach the stage where it can spread to surrounding teeth, we may instead remove the tooth entirely. Afterward, we can discuss possible replacement options, such as a bridge or a dental implant.
Damaged Teeth and Periodontitis
We may also remove a tooth that has become loose due to advanced gum disease, also known as periodontitis. We also extract teeth that have become several damaged, such as breakage or a major fractures. Before replacing a tooth lost to periodontist, we may need to treat your underlying health issue. For a damaged tooth, we can discuss immediate replacement options, ranging from a dental bridge to a single tooth dental implant.
Do You Need An Extraction?
Dr. Janet Goguen, DMD, can remove a tooth to help you enjoy a healthier smile. Call our office in Upton, MA, today at 508-529-4591 to schedule your next cleaning. We proudly welcome patients from all surrounding communities, including, Grafton, Hopedale, Whitinsville, and more.