Essential Guide to Dental Extractions: Understanding the Need, Process, and Replacement Options
Dental extractions are a “last resort” procedure for essential teeth. To explain further, our team at Farhoumand Dentistry in Tysons Corner, Virginia, is pleased to answer patients’ most common questions about this procedure.
What are the differences between simple and surgical tooth extractions?
Tooth extractions involve the removal of teeth, and the difficulty of these extractions can vary. “Simple” extractions are performed on teeth that are easy to access, allowing us to grasp the tooth and use specialized techniques and instruments to lift it out of the socket. In contrast, if a tooth is broken or difficult to reach, a “surgical” extraction may be necessary. This procedure requires making an incision in the surrounding tissue to access the problematic tooth, followed by the use of specialized techniques to remove it.
Why would I need a tooth extracted?
Tooth extraction may be necessary for two reasons: tooth decay affecting the nerves and gum disease. When decay reaches the nerves, the tooth may no longer be suitable for a root canal, making extraction essential for oral health. Infected teeth can jeopardize neighboring teeth and lead to complications like dental abscesses. Gum disease also contributes to tooth extraction by infecting the supporting bone and connective tissue, leading to loose teeth. Preventive measures, such as scaling and root planing (SRP), are crucial for managing gum disease and preserving dental health, thereby reducing the likelihood of extractions in the future.
So, I shouldn't wait to contact you if I'm worried about a tooth.
That's right! Sometimes, patients wait too long to contact us to fix their dental problems. By the time they visit us, the decay has reached so far into the tooth that we can no longer "save" it. If no more bone is present around the tooth to support it, we will advise on extracting it. Of course, this process will be followed by prompt tooth replacement (and options like dental implants to support artificial teeth).
You called dental extractions a last resort procedure – why?
We want you to keep all of your natural teeth, so we try to protect them and treat damage in a way that preserves the affected teeth. We generally only recommend extractions after we have attempted other interventions, such as the endodontic procedures referenced above. This is true of teeth considered "essential" to your health and function, not wisdom teeth.
What's wrong with wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth can cause various health issues if they become impacted or misaligned. These backmost molars begin to peek through in our teens and early 20s. By then, there is often not enough room in the mouth for them. They tend to become trapped in the jaw, producing intense pain and potentially causing damage to their neighbor teeth and tissues. Such "impacted" wisdom teeth must come out. As this is a common complication, Farhoumand Dentistry closely monitors how these third molars develop during regular checkups at our office.
How do you fill the gaps in my smile?
This is such an important question! Prompt tooth replacement is a "must." We don't want your health, confidence, and overall well-being to suffer due to prolonged tooth loss. During a consultation, we will be happy to discuss the many options available to replace teeth—from traditional dental bridges to crowns, bridges, and dentures retained by implants designed to function in the jaw like natural tooth roots—call (703) 636-2442 to schedule your visit and learn more.
