Tooth Extraction is a routine procedure that’s done all of the time in our Austin, TX dentist office. But how can you know when an extraction is something that’s needed? Dr. Glen Wainwright of Austin Dental Care explains.

When Are Tooth Extractions Needed?

Teeth need to be extracted for a variety of reasons. At our office, we make tooth extraction the last resort for your dental problems. Conservative treatment methods are used to keep as much of your natural teeth as possible. However, sometimes extraction proves to be the best course of action with certain conditions.

First, severe tooth damage or decay can lead to an extraction. Various restorative dentistry methods are used to treat teeth in this state. Dental crowns, traditional fillings, and inlays or onlays may be tried to save the natural tooth. But if there’s too much damage or decay, we’ll have to remove the tooth.

Teeth may also be pulled to prevent issues with overcrowding. Sometimes, baby teeth are stubborn and need to be removed so that the permanent ones can grow in properly. Extra teeth or ones that are severely crowding the mouth can be removed to create a path to an even, straight smile.

Wisdom Teeth Extraction

When people are in their late teens and early twenties, the wisdom teeth will start to erupt. This extra set of molars usually causes more harm than good. Our jaws usually aren’t big enough for these extra teeth. As they start to come in, they can cause pain from becoming impacted and stuck at an odd angle, or cause the rest of your teeth to become jumbled and overcrowded.

Through your regular family dentistry appointments, we’ll continue to monitor the development of your wisdom teeth. We want to be able to stop them from causing problems before they start. With x-rays and other diagnostic tools, we’ll recommend extraction if it’ll be beneficial to your oral health.

The Tooth Extraction Process

For a simple tooth extraction, local anesthesia will be used to numb the area around the tooth that’s being removed. If you suffer from dental anxiety or other medical issues, we offer sedation dentistry options as well. The tooth is removed in one piece and is gently rocked in the socket to make sure it’s dislodged properly.

A surgical tooth extraction is needed with the tooth isn’t completely visible from the gum line. Often, wisdom teeth extractions are surgical extractions. An incision is made in the gums and the tooth may need to be removed in pieces instead of all at once. Depending on the circumstance, some of your bone may need to be cut to completely remove the tooth.

Tooth Extraction at Your Austin, Texas Dentist

Do you believe you have a tooth that needs to be extracted? Call us or schedule an appointment online.

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