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When is Tooth Extraction Necessary?

When is Tooth Extraction Necessary?

A Last Resort

In most cases, tooth extraction is a last resort. At Charlotte Center for Complete Dentistry we take care to make sure we provide the most conservative treatment possible for your dental problems. We want to preserve as much of your natural tooth as we can. If conservative methods have failed or we don’t believe that they’re feasible, only then will we suggest a tooth extraction.

Reasons for Tooth Extraction

There are many reasons a tooth may be removed. If you’re suffering from severe tooth decay or have a tooth that’s been extremely damaged due to trauma, the tooth may need to be extracted. Teeth are also often removed when your mouth is overcrowded and certain teeth may be causing problems with your day-to-day life.

Sometimes teeth are removed to help treat malocclusion, which is when your bite lines up abnormally. Malocclusion can cause uneven wear on your teeth and can cause many other oral health problems, particularly TMJ disorders. An even bite that meets where it’s supposed to will help even out the pressure on your teeth when you bite down, reducing the risk of broken or cracked teeth.

Wisdom Teeth Removal

Wisdom teeth typically emerge 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 are more likely to suffer from tooth decay as they’re harder to reach.

Wisdom teeth can also become impacted in your jaw. This means that they’re coming in at an odd angle and are stuck under the gums, causing problems with your other teeth. Wisdom teeth are usually all extracted at the same time through a surgical procedure. You’ll be sedated and the wisdom teeth will be removed so they cannot cause more problems.

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 phobia, we also 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 will then be rocked gently back and forth in the socket to loosen it for removal. When the tooth is out, the entire area will be cleaned and packed with gauze. This helps a blood clot to form in the now-empty cavity and also helps to keep out food particles and other hazards. You’ll receive aftercare instructions to make sure it heals well.

Tooth Extraction in Charlotte, NC

Have a problem tooth that may need to be removed? Call Charlotte Center for Complete Dentistry at (704) 275-5323 or schedule an appointment online.

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