Because so much of dental care is about preserving and repairing the teeth, many patients are hesitant when tooth extraction is recommended. To pull a tooth seems to go against the goals of dentistry. However, while tooth extraction is always a last resort, it is sometimes necessary and helpful to the health of the adjacent teeth. Tooth extraction may become necessary in the following cases:
In each of these cases, if the tooth cannot be saved (or is not necessary, in the case of wisdom teeth), the goal of extraction is to protect the health of the patient’s remaining natural teeth and to prevent further oral complications.
Candidates for single tooth extraction are those who are experiencing any of the above oral concerns. If the tooth is not broken or severely damaged, single tooth extraction can be a fairly simple procedure. Using local anesthesia, it may be possible to grasp the tooth to loosen and extract it. For impacted teeth or those that are broken or severely damaged, the procedure will likely require oral surgery under general anesthesia. Ideal candidates for oral surgery are those who are in good overall health and who do not face an increased risk of surgical complications.
Once a tooth has been extracted, restorative dental care will be necessary. It is important to replace the pulled tooth in order to preserve the structure of the mouth, restore oral functions, and maintain the appearance of the smile. There are a number of restorative treatment options for patients who have undergone single tooth extraction. The most common treatments for the loss of a single tooth are dental implants and a dental bridge. Dr. Glenn can discuss these options with patients who have undergone extraction.
If a tooth has severe damage or decay and is in need of extraction, Dr. Andrew R. Glenn can help. Dr. Glenn has training and experience in oral surgery and can successfully extract damaged teeth to preserve the overall health of the smile. To learn more about our oral surgery services, schedule a consultation at your earliest convenience. We look forward to hearing from you!
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