Needing a tooth extraction can often be stress-inducing. Sometimes, a tooth cannot be restored and must be removed. Despite this common perception, in many cases, a simple tooth extraction is a simple, relatively painless procedure, and patients heal quickly. Our experienced team is here to guide you through the process with care and expertise, whether it’s due to severe decay, trauma, or other dental issues.
We will do whatever we can to ensure your comfort and oral health. Dr. Brad Gorsky can often perform simple tooth extractions with a local anasthesiologist in the comfort of our dental office. For anxious patients, we also offer conscious sedation options for a relaxed and stress-free experience. Extractions are one of the general dentistry services we offer to the public in Tuckahoe, NY.
Why Do I Need A Tooth Extraction?
While we practice conservative dentistry, there are times when we can’t save a tooth. On these occasions, we’ll have to extract it as the best move for your oral health. There are many reasons why you may need an extraction.
Severe Damage or Decay
If we can’t repair the tooth with a root canal or crown, we have to extract it. Decay deep in the tooth pulp causes a painful infection, and bacteria can travel deep. If it gets to the root of the tooth, it can cause serious problems. Removing a severely infected tooth removes the source of the infection and prevents it from spreading to the surrounding teeth and causing more problems.
Severely damaged teeth are no longer able to function correctly in your smile. If a tooth breaks near or below the gum line, it’s almost impossible to restore. It’s often painful and can cause irritation and infection of the soft tissue. It’s best for us to remove it for your oral health.
Advanced Gum Disease
The longer you leave gum disease untreated, the more damage it does to your mouth. The bone structure of your jaw deteriorates more with time. When the infection is advanced and a significant amount of bone has dissolved, teeth can become loose and unstable. If treatment like scaling and root planing can’t successfully restore the tooth, we may have to extract it to stop the spread of infection and avoid discomfort.
Wisdom Teeth
More often than not, we recommend wisdom teeth removal. Our mouths rarely have room for this extra set of molars. If the teeth do erupt, they can cause your other teeth to shift, making your teeth cramped and crowded. This can also cause teeth to overlap and become crooked, leading to a need for straightening treatment.
The other thing that can happen with wisdom teeth is impaction. They don’t have enough space to grow properly and can get stuck under the surface or in odd positions. The trapped teeth can cause pain and infection the longer they’re left in your jaw. Many young adults get wisdom teeth removal in their late teens or twenties.
Overcrowding and Orthodontic Purposes
Severely crowded teeth can have a big impact. They often cause pain and cause your bite to be uneven. Overcrowded teeth can make you self-conscious about your smile, but they also impact function. Sometimes, we’ll remove teeth so that the rest of the teeth can spread out better, creating a more balanced bite. Tooth extraction may also be a requirement before undergoing certain orthodontic treatments.
The Tooth Extraction Process
Understanding the tooth extraction process can help put your mind at ease.
- Consultation: Before the extraction, our team will conduct a thorough exam of your tooth and discuss the reasons for the extraction. We may take X-rays to assess the tooth’s position and the surrounding structures.
- Anesthesia: Most extractions can be performed with the use of local anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth. This will minimize discomfort during the procedure. For more complex extractions or if you’re feeling particularly anxious, we have sedation options available to ensure your comfort.
- Extraction: Once the area is numb, your dentist will gently loosen and remove the tooth using special instruments. Immediately after removing the tooth, we place gauze pads for the patient to bite down on the tooth socket to apply pressure and stop bleeding. Stitches are sometimes needed and may dissolve or require removal at a follow-up appointment.
- Post-Extraction Care: After the extraction, it is crucial to follow your dentist’s instructions for proper care and healing. You may be prescribed pain medication or antibiotics to manage discomfort and prevent infection. It is also crucial to avoid certain activities, such as vigorous rinsing or drinking through a straw. Otherwise, this can dislodge the blood clot and delay healing.
Tips for Recovery
After your procedure, you can provide speed and comfort to your recovery with the following steps:
- To reduce swelling and discomfort, apply an ice pack to the affected area for 10-15 minutes at a time.
- Stick to a diet of soft foods like yogurt, applesauce, and mashed potatoes while your mouth heals.
- Smoking can impede the healing process and increase the risk of complications. If you smoke, try to refrain from smoking for as long as possible after the extraction.
- While avoiding the extraction site, continue to brush and floss gently to keep the rest of your mouth clean and prevent infection.
When you are ready to schedule a dental exam and extraction, give us a call. Crestwood Dental caters to Tuckahoe, Eastchester, Yonkers, New Rochelle, and surrounding Westchester County communities.