Tooth extractions involve removing a tooth that is either damaged, decaying, or taking up too much room in the mouth. Specifically, patients commonly need a tooth or two removed prior to getting braces. Another common tooth extraction is wisdom teeth removal. At Warrenton Dental Center, we view tooth extractions as a stepping stone on your way to a fully restored, beautiful smile.
Tooth extractions are a necessary oral surgery for a number of reasons. Below outlines each reason for a tooth extraction, and the effect of that extraction:
Trauma: If a patient has been in an accident, their teeth can face damage. This means some teeth may be broken, chipped, or fully out. When a tooth has been damaged but is not completely out, it must be carefully removed. This is especially true if it has broken into pieces.
Decay/Infection: Decay or infection is another common problem. Decay eats away at your tooth, and increases tooth sensitivity. When the amount of decay is serious and cannot be fixed with a simple filling, extraction is the next best solution.
Overcrowding: If your mouth is overcrowded, your dentist will need to make room. This is especially true when patients are getting braces to straighten out teeth, but do not have enough room. A tooth or two will then be extracted so that your other teeth have room to move and properly align.
Wisdom Teeth: Everyone has 4 wisdom teeth. Each tooth is located at the end of the jawbone on your top and bottom rows of teeth. When your wisdom teeth do not come in well, they can become impacted. This means that they push your other teeth, which can cause shifting and pain. Extraction helps to relieve the pain and stop the pushing on your teeth.
Since there is no one single reason for a tooth extraction, the process differs on a case-to-case basis. However, it is relatively similar for each extraction. The process is as follows:
Assessment. Your dentist will sit down and outline the extraction. He/she will explain why an extraction is necessary, the general process and cost, and address any questions or concerns you may have.
The Procedure. To begin the extraction, you will be given a local anesthetic. This will numb the surrounding area of your tooth, so you feel more pain. For a more elaborate extraction, like wisdom teeth removal, you will most likely be put to sleep with general anesthesia. Your dentist will then pull the tooth using a series of sterile methods and equipment.
Healing. The healing process depends on why the extraction was necessary. A routine extraction due to overcrowding can only take a few days to heal, while wisdom teeth extractions can take up to 2 weeks.
The amount of time it takes to recover from an extraction depends on a variety of factors. Some extractions require more invasive techniques, while others are not as complex. Factors that determine how long the healing process will be after your extraction include:
The size of the tooth extracted
The location of the extraction
The health condition of the patient
How well the patient follows post-procedure rules
At Warrenton Dental Center, we have been completing tooth extractions for clients in the Virginia area for over 20 years. We understand the importance of utilizing sterile, advanced equipment, as well as minimally invasive procedures to minimize healing time as much as possible. We also prioritize teaching our clients, and addressing any of their questions or concerns. For more information about our tooth extraction services, give us a call at (540) 351-0170. Start your dental journey to a better smile, today!
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call us at (540) 351-0170 or fill out the form below.
To schedule a consultation or request an appointment, call us at (540) 351-0170 or fill out the form.