Oral Surgery Rochester
Oral Surgery: Tooth Extraction
Tooth extraction is a procedure in which your surgeon removes a tooth from its socket. Though the goal is always to save teeth, tooth extraction may be necessary in cases of infection, decay, or trauma. Ultimately, the purpose of extraction is to preserve your oral health.
When tooth decay or damage extends to the pulp, a root canal treatment and antibiotics are typically the first treatment. If the decay is too severe, the tooth may need to be extracted to prevent the spread of infection.
Removing a tooth prevents you from suffering any further dental pain and reduces the risk of decay spreading. An infected or decaying tooth can compromise the surrounding teeth and bone if left alone, leading to future problems.
Infection and pain aren’t the only problems, however. If your teeth are overcrowded, it can make them crooked and misaligned, affecting your beautiful smile and inhibiting your oral hygiene. This may occur with the wisdom teeth, or 3rd molars, leading to a 3rd molar extraction.
Our Approach to Tooth Extraction
Although a tooth extraction sounds daunting, it’s a simple and relatively pain-free procedure. We will ensure you’re kept comfortable throughout by administering local or general anesthetic and using specially designed instruments.
We will give you advice and instructions for your aftercare to promote healing, minimize pain, and prevent infection or complications.
A tooth extraction will save your smile and promote good oral health. However, if you are nervous or apprehensive about tooth extraction, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. Our caring team understands and is committed to providing you with the most relaxed and stress-free visit possible. In addition, we provide sedation dentistry for anxious patients.
Do You Need a Tooth Extraction ?
You may need a tooth extraction if:
- Overcrowded and impacted teeth may cause future problems
- You have damaged teeth that cause pain and can’t be repaired
- Periodontal disease has led to loose teeth
Simple vs Surgical Extraction
There are two types of extraction – a simple extraction and a surgical extraction. Your surgeon will explain which type of extraction you need based on the details of your case.
Simple Tooth Extraction
When the tooth is visible, a simple extraction may be all that’s required. You’ll be given a local anesthetic to prevent any pain during the procedure. Then your surgeon will use forceps to loosen and extract the tooth.
Surgical Tooth Extraction
For teeth below the gum line, you’ll likely need a surgical procedure. Your surgeon will administer a local anesthetic before cutting or pulling back the gum to extract the tooth. Sometimes, a tooth will need to be cut into smaller pieces for a smooth extraction. With complicated extractions, you may require sedation, meaning that you’ll sleep through the procedure.
After Tooth Extraction Care
After extraction, your surgeon will ask you to bite down on a cotton swab until the bleeding has stopped and a clot has formed over the socket – generally within a few minutes. This blood clot protects the exposed bone and tissue in the socket while it heals. Sometimes, you may need stitches to close the gum over the socket. These are sometimes self-dissolving and don’t need a second visit for removal.
3rd Molar Extraction / Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Most people have four wisdom teeth that usually appear between the ages of 17 and 21. Wisdom teeth appear at the back of the jaw, with two on the top and two on the bottom.
Your jaw may not be big enough to accommodate your wisdom teeth. If this happens, your wisdom teeth won’t be able to fully erupt through your gum and can become impacted, causing infection.
Partially erupted wisdom teeth can also cause issues if bacteria get under the gum flap. Those teeth can’t be adequately cleaned and may lead to infection. Without removal, you could suffer red, inflamed, and infected gums. For some adults, it is advisable to undergo wisdom teeth extraction before they erupt, in order to avoid problems.
Specialized Surgeons, For Tooth, Wisdom Teeth and 3rd Molar Extraction
We are accepting new patients for surgical and periodontal care!
Contact us online or call 585.685.2005 to make an appointment.
Care Beyond Your Expectations
