Why Would You Need to Have a Tooth Extracted?
- Deep Decay or Trauma: If a tooth is severely decayed beyond repair, removal is the only option.
- A Fractured Tooth: Tooth fractures can develop due to natural wear and tear, trauma, or teeth grinding and clenching, a condition known as bruxism. If the fracture is too severe, especially if it runs vertically below the bone level or through the roots, the tooth may need to be removed.
- Periodontal (Gum) Disease: If periodontal disease is left untreated, it can destroy the bone and tissues holding the teeth in place. A tooth that has lost its support and is very mobile may not be savable.
- Orthodontic Treatment: In certain cases, your orthodontist may recommend selective tooth extractions to treat crowded or crooked teeth. This helps to create the room needed for the remaining teeth to shift into alignment.
- Wisdom Teeth: Wisdom teeth often come out at a wrong angle or are impacted, meaning they are trapped in the jawbone. They are notorious for causing problems, including pain, decay, and infection, and may damage the surrounding teeth, necessitating their extraction.
What Should You Expect?
When preparing for a dental extraction, our dentists will review your health and medical history to ensure it is safe for you to undergo the procedure. Our dentists will make sure you are completely comfortable using local anesthetic and offering services such as nitrous oxide administration.
Some extractions are simple and will take a short amount of time. In cases where a tooth is partially impacted, has curved roots, or is severely broken down, the extraction can become surgical, which may require removing the tooth in multiple pieces or relieving bone around the tooth. Following the procedure, we will review ways to care for your extraction site and then follow up to ensure you are healing properly.
Missing a tooth can cause an imbalance, leading to shifting, hypereruption of the opposing teeth, problems with the bite, and many other oral health complications. Depending on the location of the tooth, we may recommend placing a fixed bridge, removable partial denture, or dental implant to restore your healthy, confident smile.
What Is Socket Preservation?
After tooth extraction, the jawbone will start reshaping and recontouring as the area heals. To prevent bone loss and ensure the success of a future dental implant, we sometimes recommend a procedure called "socket preservation" or "guided bone regeneration." That involves placing a bone graft to protect and preserve the bone in the area. We will explain the procedure and help you determine if it's right for you.
Dental Extraction Aftercare
After having a tooth pulled, the healing will begin, and a blood clot will form in the socket. Refrain from smoking, drinking through a straw, and vigorous rinsing and spitting for 48 hours to make sure you don't accidentally dislodge the clot. Otherwise, you may develop a painful condition called dry socket, which will require care at our office.
You may feel minor discomfort after the extraction. We will recommend medication regimens based on your needs. Please contact our office for guidance if you have any concerns following your tooth extraction.
Dental Extractions Near Me in Allendale, MI
At Blue Bridge Dental, we offer state-of-the-art dental procedures to restore the most damaged teeth to prevent the need for extraction. If, however, you need to have a tooth removed, you can trust that we will make it as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Call us at 616-217-3992 to schedule your appointment or request one online today!