Dental extractions are the complete removal of a tooth from the mouth. During an extraction, the dentist will administer local anesthesia near the tooth that has to be extracted. The tooth, from crown to root, will be removed in one go while the local sedatives keep pain and discomfort at bay.
When Is an Extraction Required?
Cavities
Cavities are one of the most common reasons for tooth extraction. Cavities are caused by microbial activity in the mouth, leading to the erosion and demineralization of the enamel. The acidic substances released by the bacteria decay the enamel and the underlying dentin. If left untreated, the cavity can grow deeper and wider, reaching the root canal cavity and causing an infection. Although we at Troy Ha, DDS Family and Cosmetic Dentistry try to save such a tooth using root canal therapy, it might need to be extracted if the severity of the decay is beyond any treatment.
Damage
Teeth that have sustained damage due to external trauma or biting anything too hard can be restored using ceramic restorations. Some of the ways to treat such teeth are using dental crowns, veneers, composite bonding, etc. But if the extent of damage is severe, we would suggest getting such teeth extracted to keep you from continuous pain.
Impacted Teeth
Impacted teeth are a dental condition where the teeth get ‘stuck’ in the jawbone when they erupt. It is mostly seen in the case of the wisdom teeth, which are the last set of teeth to emerge. The best way to treat impacted teeth is by extracting them completely from the mouth.
Apart from these common conditions, extractions may also be required when you undergo orthodontic treatment, removing baby teeth in children when they refuse to fall off naturally, etc.
How is the Extraction Performed at Troy Ha, DDS?
The dentist will thoroughly diagnose your oral condition and determine the best means to treat it. If no means of treatment or restoration proves to be helpful, we will consider an extraction.
The tooth will be cleaned and the extraction site will be disinfected. Local sedatives would be administered to numb the tooth and surrounding tissues. We will grip the tooth firmly using forceps and shake it to loosen it from the surrounding gums. Once it is loose enough, we will extract the tooth in one motion.
Post-operation, we will use a clean piece of gauze to control the bleeding. The wound would be closed using a suture, and suitable aftercare instructions will be given by the dentist. It is best to avoid hot, cold, or spicy foods until the wound heals. Also, please brush your teeth with caution to avoid dislodging the clot.
We invite you to schedule a consultation with our team of dental experts at our Long Beach, CA office to get all your oral concerns addressed at the earliest. Please call us at (562) 432-9883 or schedule an online consultation and we’ll be happy to help.
