As we get older daily brushing, flossing, and regular visits to the dentist can help preserve our dental health and enable us to maintain our natural teeth for as long as possible. However, despite our best efforts, the vast majority of us will still experience some degree of dental decay, damage, or gum disease during our lifetime, and if these problems become severe, it could necessitate a tooth extraction.

What is a tooth extraction and when is it necessary?

A tooth extraction is a procedure to remove a tooth that has been badly affected by decay, damage, or dental disease. It is usually a last resort treatment, and it will only be recommended when a tooth cannot be saved by restorative treatments such as a filling or crown.

Some of the most common reasons for tooth removal include:

• Severe tooth decay
• Periodontal disease (also known as gum disease and dental disease)
• A broken tooth that cannot be repaired
• Overcrowding of teeth
• An abscess around your teeth or on your gum
• Wisdom teeth that are impacted (unable to come through properly)

Types of tooth extraction

There are two ways in which a tooth can be removed. A simple extraction may be possible if the tooth is visible above the gum line and can be easily removed with forceps. However, in some cases, removing the tooth is much more complex, and require a surgical extraction.

Surgical tooth extractions

It may surprise you to learn that surgical tooth extractions are one of the most common surgical procedures in the United States.

Before your extraction takes place, Dr. Boss will need to undertake an examination of your tooth, followed by an x-ray. This will help him determine if there is likely to be any complications, such as your tooth breaking into pieces when it is removed. This often happens in the case of teeth that are cracked. Surgical extractions are also much more likely in the case of impacted wisdom teeth. An impacted wisdom tooth is one that hasn’t been able to erupt through the gum properly, which is usually due to their not being enough space at the back of the mouth. If a wisdom tooth is stuck part way through, incisions into the gum or sometimes bone are needed to free and remove it.

Most extractions are performed using a local anesthetic. However, if you are particularly worried or nervous, it may be possible for you to have sedation throughout the procedure. Please speak to Dr. Boss about this at the time of your pre-extraction consultation. The anesthetic is administered via a small injection into the area around your affected tooth, and this will take a few minutes to work.

Once the area is numb, the necessary incisions will be made, and the tooth will be gently moved back and forth in the socket to release it. Forceps will then be used to pull it free. Any broken parts of the tooth or root will also be removed. In some instances, Dr. Boss may need to break the tooth first, and then remove it piece by piece. Once the tooth and any remaining fragments of it have been pulled out, the bleeding has stopped, and the following blood clot has formed, Dr. Boss will close the wound using dissolvable sutures.

Complications following a surgical tooth extraction

As with all surgeries, there is a small risk of complications as a result of a tooth extraction. One of the most common problems to occur after this procedure is known as dry socket. This happens when the blood clot that has formed over the wound comes loose, and the underlying bone is exposed. This can be extremely painful, and Dr. Boss will need to place a dressing over the area until a new clot forms.

Some of the other possible complications/side effects from a surgical tooth extraction include:

• Mild discomfort that can usually be alleviated using over-the-counter pain medication
• Swelling around the affected tooth and in the mouth/jaw
• Light bleeding

Dr. Boss will give you specific aftercare instructions to follow and these will help ensure that you make a fast and straightforward recovery from your extraction.

While the notion of a surgical extraction may be frightening, the improved tools and techniques used today mean that procedure is safer and more tolerable than ever before. Dr. Boss will ensure that you receive the best possible care before, during, and after your procedure. He will also be delighted to speak to you about your options regarding tooth replacement, which will enable you to enjoy a fully functional and attractive smile once more.

For further information about tooth extractions or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Boss, call our office today at us: 361-245-5400.