If you have an infected or damaged tooth, or your wisdom teeth are causing problems, you may need a tooth extraction. Dentists prefer to preserve the natural teeth as much as possible, but sometimes the only option is tooth extraction. Learn more about the tooth extraction procedure with Mount Pleasant, MI dentist Dr. Raymond Ribitch.
Tooth Extractions Are A Last Resort
In many cases, tooth extraction is a last resort. We take care to make sure we provide the most conservative treatment for your dental problems, because we want to save as much of your natural tooth as possible. If conservative methods have failed or we don’t believe that they’re feasible, that’s when a tooth extraction is recommended. The advanced technology we use at Mid Michigan Smiles often prevents the need for a tooth extraction.
The Extraction Process
For a simple tooth extraction, you’ll first receive local anesthetic around the tooth that’s being removed. If you suffer from dental fear, we offer sedation dentistry options to make sure you’re calm and comfortable throughout the process.
When you’re numb, the ligaments that connect the tooth to your bone will be slowly severed. The tooth is gently rocked back and forth in the socket to remove the actual tooth. When the tooth is out, the entire area will be cleaned and packed with gauze. This helps a blood clot to form in the cavity and also helps to keep out food particles and other hazards. You’ll receive aftercare instructions to make sure it heals well.
Reasons for Tooth Extraction
There are many reasons a tooth may be removed. If you’re experiencing severe tooth decay or have a tooth that’s been extremely damaged from trauma, the tooth may need to be removed. Teeth are also taken out when your teeth are overcrowded and causing problems with your day-to-day life.
Sometimes teeth are removed to help treat malocclusion. This is when your bite lines up abnormally. Malocclusion can be the cause of many oral health problems, particularly TMJ disorders. An even bite that meets where it’s supposed to help to even out the pressure on your teeth when they close together. This lessens the chance of broken or cracked teeth.
Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth typically erupt in the late teens or early twenties. It’s more likely than not to have your wisdom teeth removed. Very few people are able to keep their wisdom teeth throughout their lifetime without any issues. Wisdom teeth can cause pain, overcrowding in the teeth, and can be more likely to suffer from tooth decay as they’re harder to reach.
Wisdom teeth can also get impacted in your jaw. This means that it’s at an odd angle and is stuck mostly under the gums, causing problems with your other teeth. Wisdom teeth are usually all removed at the same time through a surgical procedure. You’ll be sedated and the wisdom teeth will be removed before they cause too many problems.
Tooth Extraction in Mount Pleasant, MI
Have a tooth that may need to be removed? Call us at (989) 200-3896 or learn more about our virtual dentistry consultations here.