Tooth Extractions in Cedarbrook

What Causes a Tooth to Need Removal?

Our dentists always prefer to repair a damaged tooth when possible, but there are times when a tooth is simply too damaged by decay, gum disease or trauma to be restored. Very large cavities, for example, decay so much of the tooth that it cannot be repaired. In these cases getting a tooth pulled both removes the diseased tooth and eliminates the source of pain. There are also other situations when dentist tooth extraction is unavoidable, and we discuss some of those conditions below.

Is the Average Tooth Extraction Cost Affordable?

We strive to make tooth extraction in Cedarbrook accessible for all of our patients. The difficulty of your tooth removal and whether you require a simple or a surgical extraction affect your overall cost. We’ll provide you with an estimate prior to your procedure so you know what to expect. Dental insurance can also help keep the procedure affordable.

What Is Oral Surgery Extraction?

Oral surgery extraction involves cutting through the gums to remove a tooth that is fully or partially trapped beneath the gum line. The procedure should be performed by a qualified oral surgeon. A surgical extraction differs from a simple extraction that can be performed by our dentist, who uses forceps to grasp the visible tooth and pull it out.

Can Cracked or Severely Decayed Teeth Be Removed at the Dentist?

If the decay, crack, or break in your tooth extends into the center of the tooth, our dentist will first evaluate whether root canal therapy can repair the tooth. If the tooth cannot be saved with a root canal and crown, we’ll recommend that the tooth be pulled. This extraction alleviates your tooth pain and helps your overall oral health. After extraction, you and your dentist will discuss replacing the removed tooth with an implant, bridge or another device. The replacement keeps your other teeth from moving out of place, and it can help keep your jawbone strong.

Does Advanced Gum Disease Lead to Tooth Extraction?

While there may be some opportunity to save a tooth affected by advanced stage gum disease, having the tooth pulled provides pain relief and addresses some of the problems associated with the disease. Advanced periodontal disease attacks the ligaments that support your teeth, making affected teeth loose and unstable. If your tooth has become loose as a result of gum disease, extraction is often the best option.

Do Impacted Wisdom Teeth Require Extraction?

Wisdom teeth extractions are extremely common because most people don’t have room for this third set of molars. If jawbone space is a significant problem, the wisdom teeth can become impacted under the gum, leading to pain and infection. In these cases, our dentist will likely refer you to an oral surgeon who can remove the wisdom teeth surgically. For those who have room for new wisdom teeth, these molars often come in crooked or they force other teeth out of alignment. This means that even non-impacted wisdom teeth may need to be removed.

Is Extraction Necessary to Correct Crowded Teeth?

Oftentimes, overcrowded teeth can cause new teeth to grow in crooked. To resolve the problem, your dentist may recommend the removal of one or more teeth. This allows room for teeth to be straightened with braces.

Does My Dentist Provide Extraction Aftercare Instructions?

Yes, our dentist will give you a detailed list of instructions and things to avoid for the first 24 hours after your procedure. Following these instructions closely allows a necessary blood clot to form in the socket that once held your tooth. We also provide suggestions for alleviating the swelling or discomfort that may occur after the procedure.

What’s the Healing Process Like After an Extraction?

During the first 24 hours after your procedure, you should mostly rest. Following the first 24 hours, you can usually engage in light or moderate activities, but you should avoid anything strenuous. Your dentist will let you know when you can return to strenuous activity. For a simple extraction, you can expect to heal within a week. Molar and surgical tooth extraction healing may take slightly longer than a week. During your recovery, it’s important to follow the guidance of your dentist or oral surgeon.

We understand that you may be worried about needing a tooth extraction. Rest assured that we have an experienced, skilled team of dentists, dental assistants and hygienists who are ready to help restore your healthy smile. Feel free to call us today to schedule your evaluation with one of our experienced dentists.