Extractions

How do I know whether I need an extraction?

There are a number of reasons why a tooth may need to be taken out, and the procedure is more common than you might think. Sometimes, there is no other option than to extract a tooth, especially in cases of serious infection, decay, and damage. If you discover that you may need an extraction, don’t worry. Dentistry and tooth extractions have come a long way.

Some common reasons for tooth extractions include:

• Tooth decay
• Gum disease
• Impacted teeth
• Overcrowded teeth
• Damaged or broken teeth

While your natural teeth are your best tools for normal function and quality of life, there are plenty of options for the next steps you can take following an extraction.

Does everyone need to get their wisdom teeth pulled out?

Getting your wisdom teeth removed usually counts as a rite of passage in your late teens or early 20s. This is because wisdom teeth — the third moral in the back of your mouth — usually erupt in a problematic way. Some wisdom teeth can grow horizontally, causing pain, discomfort, and awkwardness. Others may not grow in at all, sitting beneath the gum line like ticking time bombs. Ones that do grow in may only come in partially, or they could affect the healthy alignment of the rest of your teeth. If your wisdom teeth cause any issues, it is usually best to extract them the same way your dentist would extract any problematic tooth.

If your wisdom teeth have enough room to grow in without impacting other teeth, and if they come in healthy and straight, you may not need to get them removed. They also need to emerge completely from the gum line so that you can clean it completely — and to prevent possible infection. Your dentist can help you determine whether you might be a good candidate to have your wisdom teeth removed.

What happens during extractions?

Your comfort and care are our priorities. Prior to the procedure, Drs. Gordon and Brooks Green and Dr. Nichole Barnett will go over all the pertinent details of extraction with you so there will be no surprises. If you find yourself growing worried or anxious about the treatment, we can help. We may suggest a form of sedation dentistry, such as nitrous oxide, oral sedation, or IV sedation. In an extraction procedure, general anesthesia is not necessary. Instead, local anesthesia offers ample numbness and comfort for the duration of the treatment.

Once you are relaxed, we will begin to gently extract the tooth using precision, state-of-the-art tools, and best practices to complete the procedure as efficiently and effectively as possible. Once the tooth has been removed, a blood clot will usually form naturally over the extraction site. If it does not, this is called a dry socket, which can cause discomfort. To ward against this, future pain, and to speed healing, we will add platelet rich fibrin to the site.