THERE ARE TIMES WHEN IT IS NECESSARY TO REMOVE A TOOTH.
Sometimes a baby tooth has misshapen or long roots that prevent it from falling out as it should, and the tooth must be removed to make way for the permanent tooth to erupt. At other times, a tooth may have so much decay that it puts the surrounding teeth at risk of decay, so your doctor may recommend removal and replacement with a bridge or implant. Infection, orthodontic correction, or problems with a wisdom tooth can also require removal of a tooth.
When it is determined that a tooth needs to be removed, your dentist may extract the tooth during a regular checkup or may request another visit for this procedure. The top of each tooth is encased within your jawbone in a “tooth socket,” and your tooth is held in that socket by a ligament. In order to extract a tooth, your dentist must expand the socket and separate the tooth from the ligament holding it in place. While this procedure is typically very quick, it is important to share with your doctor any concerns or preferences you may have for sedation.
Once a tooth has been removed, neighboring teeth may shift, causing problems with chewing or with your jaw joint function. To avoid these complications, your dentist may recommend that you replace the extracted tooth.
At Carrie Muzny D.D.S., our dentists will make sure you are comfortable before, during, and after your procedure. We will walk you through every step of the process, including what type of anesthesia to use.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I'M NERVOUS ABOUT AN EXTRACTION?
There are times when a tooth must be removed due to trauma, decay, or disease. Holding off an an extraction could cause further complications.
After an extraction, your mouth will adjust to the new changes. We may give you instructions to follow after your tooth extraction for best results. Please let us know about any questions or concerns you have. Asking questions and listening to instructions will promote your oral health, prevent complications, and make you more comfortable.
Yes, we will provide you anesthesia to reduce any discomfort during your extraction. You will experience numbness in the mouth for a few hours following the appointment. Try to avoid biting your cheeks, lips, or tongue during that time. Also avoid eating any foods that must be chewed while your mouth is still numb. After a few hours, the numbing sensation should fade away.
WILL I NEED ANESTHETICS?
Plenty of people are nervous about a tooth extraction. If you are nervous, please let our dentists know. They will help you understand how the procedural process works so there won't be any surprises. You'll be guided throughout the entire process, from start to finish. Our team will do everything we can to make sure you are comfortable for your extraction. It's best practice to take care of your extraction if it is recommended by a dentist and our team will do everything we can to help you throughout the procedure.