Tooth Extractions in Deptford

Why Does a Dentist Recommend Tooth Extraction?

There are many reasons a dentist may recommend either getting a tooth pulled or having a surgical tooth extraction. Usually, tooth removal is unavoidable when teeth are extensively damaged by gum disease, tooth trauma or severe decay. In cases where a large cavity has consumed most of the tooth, extraction actually relieves the pain and helps to restore your overall oral health. Of course, we always want to save a tooth if we can, but extraction is often unavoidable when you’re suffering from the conditions we discuss below.

Are Extraction Costs Affordable?

We strive to make important dental procedures such as extractions affordable for all of our patients. We’re happy to work with your dental insurance plan to help reduce your overall tooth extraction cost. Your exact cost will depend on your coverage as well as the complexity of your case.

When Is an Oral Surgical Extraction Necessary?

Oral surgeons handle extractions in which the tooth hasn’t erupted through the gums. If your tooth doesn’t have enough tooth visible above the gumline for our dentist to grasp with forceps, we’ll refer you to an oral surgeon for the procedure.

Will My Broken or Decayed Teeth Be Removed at the Dentist?

We always strive to save your natural teeth first. If the damage extends to the middle of the tooth, our dentist will determine whether a root canal can repair the damage or disease. If the tooth cannot be saved by root canal therapy, we will advise you to have the tooth pulled in our office or at an oral surgeon’s office. In addition to relieving the pain that accompanies severe tooth damage, an extraction allows you to replace the tooth with a bridge or dental implant. This replacement step is important to keep your other teeth from moving out of alignment.

When Does Gum Disease Lead to Tooth Extraction?

If left untreated, periodontal disease can progress to painful and destructive advanced stage gum disease. The disease eats away at the bone and connective tissues that hold your teeth in place, causing your teeth to become loose and unstable. When this happens, dental extraction is often recommended. It’s also often a good option because removal resolves the pain associated with periodontal disease.

Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?

For most of our patients, there’s not enough jawbone space to support third molars, also known as wisdom teeth. It’s this lack of jaw space that creates many wisdom teeth issues. If the teeth can’t erupt through the gum, they become trapped under the gum. These impacted teeth can lead to other complications, so our dentist will usually refer you to an oral surgeon who can remove your impacted wisdom teeth. If the teeth have managed to erupt through the gum, they may push other teeth out of place. Our dentist may be able to perform wisdom teeth extractions on these erupted wisdom teeth, but if your case presents complications, we may refer you to an oral surgeon.

Will My Crowded Teeth Cause Problems?

Many of our patients have space issues with their teeth. Either they have so many adult teeth that new teeth are forced to come in crooked, or their teeth are too large to make sufficient space for new teeth. Overcrowded teeth are also difficult to clean, leaving them prone to cavities and gum disease. The problem can be corrected by removing one or more teeth and straightening teeth with orthodontia.

Will My Dentist Give Me Extraction Aftercare Instructions?

The first 24 hours of healing after extraction are important. During this time a blood clot will need to form where your tooth was pulled. To help this healing, we will give you instructions about how to care for your extraction site as well as a list of things to avoid. Please follow these instructions closely so that your mouth can health properly.

Will My Extraction Site Heal Quickly?

Generally, you can expect your tooth extraction healing to be complete within a week of your procedure. The first 24 hours after your extraction, you should rest and limit your activity. After the first 24 hours, you may usually return to moderate activity but avoid any strenuous movement. Your dentist will let you know when you can resume arduous activities. Keep in mind that healing is more protracted for surgical extractions. We’re always happy to answer your questions about healing after your procedure, so don’t hesitate to call us.

We know that your smile and oral health are important to you. That’s why we are committed to providing quality care such as tooth extraction in Deptford. Contact us to schedule your evaluation today.