Painless Tooth Extractions and Wisdom Teeth Services For a Healthier Smile
So you have a tooth that can’t be saved with root canal therapy or dental crowns — what can you do about it? In cases where a tooth is too damaged to save, or it’s getting in the way of a needed restoration, an extraction might be the best option. Rest assured that the Bridgeville extraction dentists at DiBartola Dental as well as the rest of our dental team understand that no one wants to lose adult teeth. However, there are certain cases where tooth extractions and wisdom teeth services can be extremely beneficial.
Keep reading to learn about the benefits of tooth extractions and wisdom teeth services and how we can painlessly remove problem teeth.
What Are Tooth Extractions and Wisdom Teeth?
Tooth extraction is a procedure in which a tooth is removed from its socket in the jaw bone. There are two types of tooth extractions: non-surgical and surgical.
Non-surgical extractions are the most common type of extractions and involve the removal of teeth that are visible above the gum line. This type of extraction is usually performed using dental instruments, such as forceps, to loosen the tooth and gently remove it from the socket.
Surgical extractions, on the other hand, are typically required when a tooth is impacted. Impaction is when teeth are broken below the gum line or not fully erupted. During a surgical extraction, an incision is made in the gum tissue to expose the entire tooth and its surrounding bone.
Once the tooth is fully exposed, it may then be removed in pieces or as a whole, and the socket may need to be cleaned and packed with a healing material. Surgical extractions are often necessary for wisdom teeth, which tend to grow in awkwardly and cause problems for the rest of a patient’s smile.
Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of adult molars (back teeth) to develop, usually around the ages of 18 to 25 years old. Due to the development of the human mouth, third molars often don’t have enough room to properly erupt and become impacted.
Unable to fully emerge from the gums, wisdom teeth can cause pain, swelling, and infection. These teeth can also lead to decay and gum disease, as they are located at the back of the mouth and can be difficult to clean properly. Additionally, they can disrupt the proper alignment of other teeth.
For these reasons, dentists often recommend extracting wisdom teeth as soon as they detect them. As you grow older, wisdom teeth fuse to the bone and the nerves of the jaw, making them harder to remove without causing problems. The sooner they’re removed, the less likely it is that you’ll experience postoperative complications like nerve damage.
Benefits of Tooth Extractions and Wisdom Teeth Services
When necessary, extracting problem teeth can yield significant benefits for your oral health and your smile.
Possible benefits of tooth extraction include the following:
Pain Relief: If a tooth is causing severe pain, removing it can provide immediate relief and improve overall oral health.
Improved Oral Health: Extracting a damaged or infected tooth can prevent the spread of decay and infection to other teeth, improving overall oral health.
Improved Bite Alignment: Extracting certain teeth, such as wisdom teeth or impacted teeth, can improve bite alignment and prevent overcrowding.
Prepares You for Orthodontic Treatment: Tooth extraction may be necessary before undergoing orthodontic treatment to create enough space in the mouth for teeth to be properly aligned.
Prevents Crowding: Extracting extra or impacted teeth can help prevent crowding and improve the overall appearance of your smile.
Reduced Risk of Gum Disease: Removing infected or damaged teeth can reduce the risk of gum disease, which can have serious implications for overall health.
Improved Speech: Extracting teeth that are interfering with speech can improve pronunciation and clarity of speech.
Improved Comfort: Tooth extraction can improve comfort by removing sources of pain, pressure, or discomfort in the mouth.
Who Qualifies For Tooth Extractions and Wisdom Teeth Services?
You’re probably wondering if you need a tooth extraction for one or multiple problem teeth. Rest assured that our Bridgeville extraction dentists will only recommend tooth extraction and wisdom teeth services when necessary.
Having a tooth extraction might be for the best if you have:
- One or multiple teeth that are too damaged or decayed to repair
- Teeth that are causing issues such as pain or misalignment
- Teeth that would get in the way of a necessary dental restoration
- Teeth that are impacted and refuse to grow out properly
- Teeth that would impede necessary orthodontic treatment
Your dentists will determine if the circumstances of your oral health necessitate an extraction during your initial consultation.
The Tooth Extraction Process
Initial Consultation
Before you undergo a tooth extraction, your Bridgeville dentist will have you attend an initial consultation. Your initial consultation will consist of a thorough exam, including X-rays. They’ll also review your medical history, ask you about your smile goals, and review any other possible options.
If you have any questions or you’re feeling nervous, your initial consultation is a great time to talk to your dentist. They‘ll answer any questions you may have honestly and can recommend sedation dentistry options to help you stay relaxed and pain-free during the procedure.
Preparation
To prepare you for your extraction, we’ll first numb you with a local anesthetic. If you opted for sedation, we’ll apply your sedative before injecting the anesthetic. Once we’re sure you’re comfortable, your dentist will proceed.
Extraction
The extraction process will vary depending on the type you’re getting. For a non-surgical extraction, your extraction dentist will use a dental elevator to loosen the tooth and forceps to remove it from the socket. Then, your dentist will clean the socket and place gauze over it to control bleeding.
For a surgical extraction, your dentist will make an incision in the gum tissue to access the tooth and the surrounding bone. They may need to remove some of the bone to get a better grip on the tooth. They’ll use forceps to remove the tooth from the socket. Finally, the dentist will clean the socket, place gauze over it, and may also stitch the incision closed.
Aftercare
The first two weeks after your procedure is crucial to proper healing. You’ll need to follow the aftercare instructions given to you by your extraction dentist to ensure the extraction site stays clean and heals properly.
While your dentist will give you instructions specific to your unique case, common extraction aftercare instructions include the following:
- Bite on the gauze for at least 30 minutes to control bleeding.
- Keep the extraction site clean. Avoid touching the area for the first 24 hours.
- Avoid drinking from a straw or hot liquids for 24 hours, as the suction and heat can dislodge the blood clot.
- Use an ice pack on the face near the extraction site for the first few hours to reduce swelling.
- Take any prescribed pain medication as directed.
- Avoid smoking or using straws for at least 24 hours, as they can cause a dry socket.
- Eat soft foods and avoid crunchy, chewy, or sticky foods for the first few days.
- Avoid vigorous exercise or heavy lifting for 24 hours.
- Gradually resume your normal oral hygiene routine, including brushing and flossing, once the extraction site has healed.
- Follow up with your dentist as directed for any additional instructions or appointments.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does tooth extraction take?
The exact time your tooth extraction services will take depends on several factors. Common factors that affect time include what kind of extraction service you require and how many teeth need to be extracted. Your extraction dentist will give you a more accurate breakdown of the length of time for the extraction during your initial consultation.
How much do tooth extractions and wisdom teeth services cost?
The exact costs for tooth extraction and wisdom teeth services will depend on numerous factors. Common factors that affect extraction costs include what kind of extraction is being performed, how many teeth require extraction, and your insurance coverage. You should contact your insurance provider beforehand to confirm with them which costs they can cover.
Do tooth extractions and wisdom teeth services hurt?
Your extraction dentist will use anesthetic as needed to ensure your procedure is as comfortable and painless as possible. Talk to your extraction dentist about sedation options beforehand if you’re feeling nervous, you have resistance to local anesthetic, or you’re scheduled for a long procedure.
What are the most common complications with tooth extraction?
Complications that are the most likely to arise include:
- Infection
- Dry socket
- Misalignment
- Nerve damage
Rest assured that when the extraction is performed by a dental professional and proper aftercare is administered, complications are rare. If you do experience any complications, please contact your extraction dentist immediately.
Visit DiBartola & Get Relief From Problem Teeth With Tooth Extraction
It’s time to say goodbye to dental issues and hello to a brighter, healthier smile with tooth extraction at DiBartola Dental. Whether you need a non-surgical or surgical extraction, we will work closely with you to determine the best course of action and ensure that dental problems don’t hold you back any longer. We provide tooth extractions and wisdom teeth services to patients in Bridgeville and surrounding areas such as Heidelberg, Carnegie, & Upper Saint Clair, PA.
Visit DiBartola Dental today and get relief from problem teeth with tooth extraction. Contact us by calling (412) 221-9440 or filling out our contact form to schedule a consultation. Find out how painless dental extractions can help you achieve and maintain a healthy, beautiful smile for years to come.