At Cooley Smiles - Bellevue we will always do whatever we can to preserve and save a tooth. Sometimes, however, tooth decay or damage is just too much to keep the tooth. Impacted teeth or infected teeth should be removed.
At times patients may require tooth extraction before getting dentures or dental implants.
Whatever the case may be, if you need a tooth extracted, we will ensure the procedure goes smoothly and safely.
What is a Tooth Extraction?
A tooth extraction is a dental procedure in which a tooth is removed from its socket in the bone. When teeth have suffered significant damage or infection or are overcrowded and unsalvageable, they might be required to be pulled out.
Dental malformations like ingrown teeth or impacted teeth due to trauma are also pulled out to minimize pain and restore symmetry and function to the oral cavity.
Patients undergoing complex treatments like chemotherapy may also require having their compromised teeth extracted to reduce risks and complications to keep their oral cavities healthy.
The procedure is performed by a dentist or a surgeon depending on the tooth's condition. Our experts at Cooley Smiles regularly perform tooth extractions.
Signs You Need a Tooth Extraction
The most common signs and reasons for tooth extraction include:
| • | Severe Tooth Decay: When a tooth is severely decayed and cannot be repaired with a filling, crown, or other treatments. |
| • | Gum Disease: Advanced periodontal (gum) disease can cause loosening of the teeth, making extraction necessary. |
| • | Impacted Teeth: Teeth that are blocked from emerging properly, such as wisdom teeth, may need to be removed. |
| • | Orthodontic Treatment: Teeth might be extracted to create space for proper alignment during orthodontic treatments. |
| • | Infection: A tooth that is infected and cannot be treated with antibiotics or root canal therapy may need to be extracted. |
| • | Crowding: To reduce overcrowding and improve alignment, especially before orthodontic treatment. |
| • | Trauma: Teeth that are severely damaged from injury may need to be extracted. |
Tooth Extraction Process
There are two types of dental extractions: simple and complex dental extractions. A general dentist carries out a simple extraction which is completed in one office appointment under local anesthesia.
It is mostly performed on teeth that are easily accessible and visible in the mouth. A dentist uses simple dental devices like forceps and elevators to loosen, grasp, and pull the tooth from its socket.
On the other hand, a surgical dental extraction is an invasive procedure that pulls out impacted teeth or those that are hard to access and see in the mouth.
An example is a tooth that has not erupted completely or has been impacted below the gingival margin.
A surgical extraction necessitates the dentist to cut an incision around the tooth to gain clear access to the tooth. The procedure may involve elevating the soft gingival tissues surrounding the impacted tooth.
Dentists may also use a drill to excavate some jawbone to access the tooth properly.
Sometimes, you may have to undergo multiple extractions where a few more teeth will be removed to access a damaged tooth; however, this only occurs in rare cases.
A tooth may have to be broken down or fragmented during a surgical extraction to enable a smooth extraction. These extractions must be carried out under general anesthetic in a dental surgery in-office setting.
Complications associated with extractions
Dental extractions are beneficial as they help prevent further infection of the oral cavity, among other associated complications.
Risks are rare but can occur. Risks involved with a dental extraction include the formation of a dry socket. This is a painful condition where a blood clot accumulates on the extraction site and may sometimes contain pus.
Patients may also experience a lengthy healing period, for example, due to other medications or health conditions. Medications that might complicate healing, including blood thinners, should be ceased before the procedure and until recovery is complete.
Nearby teeth may shift or move to the extracted site after healing, causing misalignment and bite problems.
Occlusion disorders could result in dry lips or muscle contraction changes. Occlusion problems might also change bone symmetry changing your appearance.
Tooth extraction in Bellevue, WA
Visit us at Cooley Smiles to inquire more about tooth extractions or reach us via (425) 998-6998 to book an appointment!
