Tooth Extractions in Media

When Is Tooth Extraction Recommended?

Several conditions make dentist tooth extraction necessary, including extensive gum disease, decay and trauma. When a cavity is so large that the tooth cannot be repaired, extraction also stops the intense pain caused by decay. Below, we discuss the issues that often lead to the necessity of tooth removal.

What Does Tooth Extraction Cost?

Your dental extraction cost is based on several factors, including whether you need a simple extraction or surgical extraction. Our dentist will provide you with a price estimate once your case is evaluated. Please let us know if you have dental insurance, which often covers some of the costs of the procedure.

How Is an Oral Surgery Extraction Different?

If you need a simple extraction, our dentist will use forceps to grasp the tooth and pull it out. Sometimes, though, your dentist can’t pull the tooth because there isn’t enough tooth available to grasp with the forceps or the tooth hasn’t emerged through the gumline. When teeth can’t be pulled, you’ll be referred to an oral surgeon who will cut through the gum to reach the unerupted or impacted tooth.

When Is It Necessary to Pull a Cracked, Broken, or Decayed Tooth?

If decay or damage reaches the middle of the tooth, your dentist will first evaluate if the tooth can be restored with root canal therapy. If root canal therapy is not feasible because the damage or disease is too extensive, our dentist will recommend extraction. Having the tooth pulled provides relief from the pain of a damaged tooth. Once the damaged tooth is gone, our dentist will explain the importance of replacing the tooth with a device such as a bridge or a dental implant. Tooth replacement provides many advantages, including keeping your other teeth in alignment and helping you to resume eating and speaking naturally.

Is Extraction Always Recommended for Advanced Gum Disease?

Periodontal disease that has not been treated eventually eats away at the connective tissue and bone that keep your teeth in place. This leads to teeth that are loose and insecure. In these situations, your dentist will likely recommend getting a tooth pulled if it is loose. If you experience pain as a result of the advanced stage gum disease, tooth extraction can also alleviate that pain.

What Do I Do for Impacted Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth extractions are a common procedure since most people don’t have room in their mouths to support a third set of molars. If space is lacking, wisdom teeth may become stuck below the gum line, leading to impaction. When patients have impacted wisdom teeth, our dentists usually recommend surgical extraction in an oral surgeon’s office. The surgeon will need to make a small incision in the gum to reach the tooth, remove it, then stitch the incision site. If wisdom teeth are not impacted, our dentist may be able to remove the teeth in our office to prevent overcrowding and related issues. Wisdom teeth usually begin to come in during the late teen years.

Is Overcrowding An Issue?

Teeth tend to grow in crooked when there is too little room in the mouth. This lack of space can be caused by a number of issues such as too many teeth, teeth that are too big, or a jaw that is small. To make room for braces and straighter teeth, one or more teeth need to be extracted.

Will I Be Instructed on Dental Extraction Aftercare?

We’ll explain your aftercare instructions and provide you with a detailed list of activities you must avoid for the 24 hours following the extraction. It’s crucial that you follow our instructions so a blood clot can form in your extraction site. We’ll also give you suggestions for minimizing any swelling or discomfort you may have following the procedure.

How Quickly Will My Extraction Site Heal?

It’s important to avoid strenuous activity following a dental extraction, especially during the first 24 hours following your procedure. After the first 24 hours, you can resume light to moderate activity, but be sure to wait for your dentist’s approval before doing anything vigorous. Within the first week after your simple dental extraction, you should be mostly healed. Surgical tooth extraction healing usually lasts slightly longer than a week, so follow your oral surgeon’s instructions.

We’re always happy to answer your questions about tooth extraction in Media. Call us today to schedule an evaluation with one of our skilled dentists, and we’ll help you restore your sunny smile.