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Basic Tooth Extractions
A basic extraction may need to be performed if your tooth is not salvageable due to extensive decay, gum disease, dental trauma, overcrowding, or a serious infection. Since these teeth are typically not impacted in the gums, they would require a simple non-surgical extraction.
A tooth can also be removed to be replaced with a dental implant or dentures. Tooth removal is a last resort and we will do everything we can to save your tooth first. Our dentists in South Philly may suggest a root canal treatment for infected or decayed teeth or try to repair a tooth that has been damaged due to injury.
However, not all teeth can be saved. When a tooth is pulled, it is important to replace it to prevent bone loss, shifting teeth, and changes in the facial muscles.
Wisdom Tooth Extractions
The wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that come in between the ages of 17-24. Wisdom teeth are not inherently problematic as long as they are growing straight and do not pose any risk of causing problems in the future. In this case, removal is not necessary.
However, wisdom teeth commonly grow in at the wrong angle, cause pain, are partially or completely impacted, cause repeated infections, or push against surrounding teeth. If wisdom teeth are causing any of these issues or if x-rays show us that these issues could occur in the future, the wisdom teeth should be removed.
Because wisdom teeth are typically impacted in the gums, they need to be surgically extracted. An incision is made into the gums to reveal the teeth and may require cutting some additional bone and soft tissue before loosening and pulling the tooth.
Signs You Need an Extraction
There are many different reasons a patient might need a tooth extraction. If you have significant pain or infection after receiving a root canal or crown, an extraction may be needed. Other signs that the tooth needs to be removed include:
- Teeth are overcrowded
- Gum disease
- Wisdom teeth are infected or causing pain
- Extensive tooth decay
- Damage to your tooth cannot be repaired
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should come in for a consultation with Dr. Bill Mestichelli or Dr. Michael Barnes to find out if extraction is right for you. Contact us at Mestichelli Barnes Dental Associates to schedule an appointment today.
The Extraction Procedure
The loosening and removal of the tooth are the same for both simple and surgical extractions. You will receive at least local anesthesia for both procedures. However, when a tooth is trapped behind the gums, an incision needs to be made to gain access to the tooth.
The dentist may need to trim additional bone tissue for better access and the tooth may be sectioned (cut into pieces) to make it easier to remove. Sedation may be used for a surgical procedure depending on the complexity, anxiety level, and pain tolerance of the patient.
From there, both procedures are carried out in the same way. A dental appliance called an elevator is used to wiggle the tooth in the socket until it becomes completely loosened. Forceps are then used to pull the tooth out.
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