Extractions/Wisdom Teeth

What are Dental Extractions?

Dental extractions involve fully removing a tooth from the mouth. Extractions are a type of surgery that is performed in-office at the recommendation of Dr. Rejintala. In some cases, extractions are necessary because a tooth has become severely decayed, is loose, or has been compromised in some other way. In other cases, an extraction might be needed to prevent a tooth from becoming a problem, as you’d find with wisdom teeth. Here at Dream Smile Family Dentistry, we can perform dental extractions in a comfortable, calm environment.

Why do you need a Dental Extraction?

Extractions are needed on a case-by-case basis. You may need an extraction if you’re experiencing any of the following problems:

• A tooth has become severely decayed
• A tooth is loose due to bone loss and periodontal disease
• A tooth may become a problem if left in (wisdom teeth)
• The tooth cannot be saved using other dental methods
• People receiving braces may need teeth extracted to create room for the teeth that are being moved into place
• Sometime baby teeth don’t fall out in time to allow the permanent teeth to come in

 Depending on the type of anesthetic used and the reason for an extraction, a thorough health history is required to determine if you’re healthy enough to undergo sedation. Extractions are done quickly in-office and patients are provided with comprehensive aftercare instructions.

What happens during the procedure for Extractions?

First, an exam and series of x-rays is needed to determine the type of extraction and the tooth’s condition. Certain extractions are more complicated, as you might find with impacted wisdom teeth. For routine extractions, the area is numbed for your comfort. Special instruments are used to lift the tooth out of the socket and remove it from the mouth. You will not experience pain; however, you may feel intense pressure due to the dentist having to rock the tooth out of the socket. For those patients who need sedation, you will be given the medication before the surgery. If the sedation method that has been chosen is through oral sedation or iv sedation, you will need to have someone drive you home from the appointment as the effects of the medication do not wear off fast. Sutures may be needed to close the gums once the procedure has finished. If they are not needed, you will be provided with gauze that you will have to bite down on until the bleeding has stopped. You will be sent home with aftercare instructions to promote post-surgical healing.

If you think you may need to have one or more teeth extracted or are interested in learning more about tooth removal, contact our office today so that we can better assist you regarding this procedure.