Do you have one or more cavities? Is extensive tooth damage causing discomfort and pain? We provide dental extractions to help patients with severe decay, impaction, and damage at Integrated Dental.
Many patients may think that extractions are highly painful, uncomfortable treatments. However, we use anesthesia and dental sedation for pain-free treatments. We also monitor patients throughout treatment to ensure their comfort.
Continue reading to learn more about what happens during tooth extraction treatment in our Sarasota dental office. Extractions are important for many reasons. Tooth extraction is a general dentistry service we offer to new and existing patients in Sarasota, Florida.
Reasons for Tooth Extractions
Several reasons can prompt Dr. Melvin Benson to recommend a dental extraction, including:
- Tooth Decay: Many patients who develop tooth decay also develop cavities, pits, or holes in the tooth enamel. Our team can provide root canal treatment to remove infected nerves and tissue from a tooth and seal it with a dental filling. However, we may recommend an extraction if we cannot save a tooth with a root canal.
- Impacted Teeth: Tooth impaction occurs when a tooth is stuck in the gums or bone. Impacted teeth can damage other teeth and lead to severe pain. Wisdom teeth are the most common impacted teeth and require removal.
- Tooth Damage: If patients have severe tooth damage, we may also extract a tooth. Impaction and infection can make it painful for patients to eat and speak. Removing and replacing damaged teeth can rebalance the bite and relieve pain.
Removing Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of molars located at the back of the mouth. They typically emerge in late adolescence or early adulthood, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. It has become a common practice to remove wisdom teeth. This is because it is unlikely that they will be functional and there is a higher chance they will cause you harm.
However, not everyone will need wisdom teeth removal. Removing them when patients are in their late teens is a preventive measure to avoid future complications. Dr. Benson will monitor the development of your wisdom teeth through exams and X-ray.
He will recommend removal when necessary. Early evaluation and timely removal can prevent future dental problems and ensure optimal oral health.
A dentist has many reasons why he needs to remove wisdom teeth, including:
- Impacted Wisdom Teeth: Most people will not have enough space for their wisdom teeth to fully emerge, leading to impaction. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, swelling, and increase the risk of infection.
- Misalignment: Severely crooked teeth might need removal if they are causing overcrowding issues. Wisdom teeth sometimes come in at an angle or in a direction that can disrupt the alignment of existing teeth. This misalignment can lead to crowding or shifting of nearby teeth.
- Tooth Decay: Wisdom teeth can be hard to clean properly because they are at the back of the mouth. This makes them more susceptible to decay and cavities, which can affect adjacent teeth as well.
- Gum Inflammation: The partial eruption of wisdom teeth can create a flap of gum tissue. This flap can easily trap food particles and bacteria. This can lead to inflammation and infection known as pericoronitis.
- Sinus Issues: Upper wisdom teeth roots are close to the sinuses. When they begin to grow in, they can place pressure on the sinuses which can lead to sinus headaches and infections.
Tooth Extractions in Sarasota, FL
We make sure patients are comfortable during their extraction treatment. If patients require a simple extraction, we first numb the tooth with a local anesthetic, then remove the tooth. The dentist or oral surgeon conducts simple extractions to remove teeth above the gum line.
However, if patients have a tooth that is at or below the gum line, we will need to perform surgical extractions. We may use general anesthesia and dental sedation so patients will not feel any pain during their treatment.
Once patients have healed from their extraction, we often recommend dental implants or implant-secured restorations. However, we can also provide traditional dental bridges and dentures. These restorations make it easier for patients to eat the foods they love and restore their smile’s appearance.
Post-extraction Care
After extracting a tooth or teeth, your dentist will place a gauze over the extraction site to help stop the bleeding. The gauze will keep the site from opening and disturbing the blood clot. This also prevents dry socket, or a painful complication that can occur when the blood clot fails to properly form.
For the first 24 hours after the extraction, avoid rinsing your mouth or spitting forcefully. The motion can dislodge the blood clot that forms in the extraction site and delay healing. Gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water after the first 24 hours to keep the extraction site clean and prevent infection.
Lastly, rest and avoid strenuous activities and smoking for the first 24 hours after the extraction. Stick to tick to soft foods and avoid hard, crunchy, or spicy foods as well. Contact us immediately if you experience excessive bleeding, severe pain, swelling, or signs of infection.
Request a Consultation for a Tooth Extraction in Sarasota, FL today. A dental extraction is not a painful procedure. Contact our dental office for comfortable care today at 941-270-9755 or request an appointment on our website.