As dentists, we have an array of restorative treatments, from fillings and crowns to root canals, designed to save teeth and restore them to a more healthy and attractive state. However, sometimes issues arise too severe to be addressed with a restoration, and the tooth needs to be removed. In today’s blog, your Austin, MN, dentists talk about the value of a tooth extraction.
The Dangers of Damaged or Infected Teeth
When a tooth develops an infection or cavity too severe to be treated with a root canal, then the infection could spread to other teeth or move into the jawbone unless the tooth is quickly removed. Likewise, a tooth with serious damage that is beyond a crown to repair needs removal to safeguard the rest of your smile. If you have major misalignment, then removing a tooth may be necessary to help make room to properly reposition the rest. We may also take out teeth that have become loosened due to gum disease, before providing treatment to manage the disease and move foreword with tooth replacement.
Wisdom Teeth
Preventing wisdom tooth impaction is another reason we suggest extraction. The wisdom teeth, sometimes referred to as the third molars, are up to four new teeth that erupt in the rear of your mouth in your late teens and early 20s. When they arrive, they may only have enough room to partially erupt, causing a painful impaction linked to infection, damaged teeth, and even dental misalignment. To prevent major changes to the health and beauty of your smile, we may prescribe extraction.
The Extraction Process
We start by administering a local anesthetic around the area where the removal will take place. We then administer a sedative, such as nitrous oxide or oral conscious sedation, to help you enter a deeper and more relaxed state. We gently remove the teeth with forceps, and then suture the extraction site closed. The procedure only takes a short period to complete.
Aftercare and Replacement Options
Since sedation may take time to wear off, we suggest having a friend or family member on hand to bring you home. We will send you home with prescriptions and aftercare instructions. Once the area heals, we can discuss replacement options with dental bridges or even dental implants. If you have any questions about removing teeth, or replacing them with a lifelike prosthetic, then contact our team today to learn more.
DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT ORAL SURGERY?
If you have a smile at risk of wisdom tooth impaction or infection, we can help with restorative care, including tooth removal. Be sure to contact Potach and Mitchel Dental in Austin, MN, today at 507-437-6312. We’re ready to help you enjoy a healthy smile and avoid major oral health complications!
