When a tooth is decayed or infected, we likely restore it with a filling or crown. But what if an issue occurs that cannot be addressed with a restoration? When these issues occur, we may need to actually remove the tooth to safeguard the smile. In today’s blog, your Kansas City, MO, dentist talks about our approach to tooth extraction.
When Does a Tooth Need to Be Removed?
As we mentioned above, when a tooth is beyond treatment with a filling, crown, or root canal, leaving it in place could allow serious discomfort and the spread of infection to other parts of your smile. Removing it helps protect your smile. We could also extract teeth to make room for orthodontic treatment, to prepare your smile for dentures, or even to take out teeth loosened by gum disease. This could also help improve bite balance and chewing function, and we could prevent wisdom tooth impaction. When this procedure is necessary, your smile is at serious risk, so a gentle tooth extraction could be crucial for safeguarding your smile.
Planning and Sedation
We always plan our treatments in detail to help safeguard your smile. For example, we will use digital x-rays to pinpoint the exact position of the tooth and ensure we never come into contact with nerve tissues, blood vessels, or sinus cavities. Our team can also administer a local anesthetic to the area to keep you comfortable. In addition, we have sedation options that can help people with anxiety or special needs undergo treatment with comfort. We want your experience in our office to be positive, so you can smile with confidence and enjoy your best possible smile.
The Tooth Extraction Process
How do we extract your tooth? Once we plan the procedure and take steps to ensure you are comfortable, our team will gently loosen and remove the tooth with a pair of forceps. If you have wisdom teeth being treated, we may need to open the gums above them to access and remove them. In some situations, the procedure could take as little as a half hour to complete. Our team will suture the area closed and when you return home, we will send detailed aftercare instructions and even prescriptions for necessary medications to ensure the area heals quickly and properly. Some people return to their normal routine in as little as 24 hours.
If you have any questions about the tooth extraction process, then contact our team today to learn more. We want to see you and help you enjoy your best possible smile.
Schedule An Appointment for Restorative Dentistry
Our team can take on your restorative concerns and help safeguard your oral health. Schedule an appointment with Delightful Dental in Kansas City, MO, today at 816-942-7669 today.