Tooth Extraction

 

While preserving your natural teeth is the ideal situation, there are times that a tooth extraction may be necessary.  Teeth that are severely decayed or broken, advanced periodontal disease, and impacted teeth may require extraction.  In some cases, a tooth is removed to prepare for orthodontic treatment, correcting severe crowding.

The extraction process is simple, and there are few complications.  The jaw will be numbed.  This will prevent you from feeling any pain during the procedure, but you will feel pressure. Using dental forceps and applied force on the socket, the tooth quickly removed.

If you find yourself extremely nervous about the procedure, we offer oral conscious sedation and intravenous sedation services to help you relax.

In certain cases, an extraction will be more complex. In this case, a surgical remedy is needed or you may require a visit to an emergency dentist.  While you will be under oral conscious sedation or intravenous sedation, Dr. Pham will then make an incision to your gum to get access to the tooth of concern.  He also will have to section the tooth to remove the tooth from its socket.  This oral surgical procedure is most often done to a tooth that is impacted or broken off at the gum line.

Missing Tooth: Introduction

 

Wisdom Teeth

 

Wisdom teeth, also known as the third molars, are often candidates for extraction.  Because the jaw is not large enough to accommodate these last four teeth, they are prone to trouble. Often they are impacted, and unable to fully erupt from the gum.  Because they are hard to reach properly while brushing, they are prone to severe decay.  If all four wisdom teeth need to be removed, it is often best to do so at the same time.

Wisdom Teeth: Horizontal impaction

 

Recovery

 

After your extraction, the socket will be packed with gauze.  You will need to change this packing to keep it from becoming soaked through.  A blood clot will form in the socket. It is important that it not be disturbed, as this is an important part of your mouth healing.

You will be given a series of post-treatment instructions to help you recover quickly.  Any pain you experience can be treated with NSAID pain relievers or narcotic pain relievers if needed.  Once your gums have healed, you can explore options to replace the tooth or teeth that was/were extracted, if necessary.

If you have any questions about hopeless tooth or teeth deemed to be extracted or wisdom teeth extraction under sedation, please call our office to make an appointment for a free consultation with Dr. Pham today.

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