An Easy-to-Follow Guide to Tooth Extraction

Dentistry is founded on the principles of tooth preservation. That is, a dentist’s primary job is to safeguard the function of your natural teeth. For this reason, most dentists prefer to explore various treatment options and do their best to solve dental problems without extracting any teeth. In some cases, however, tooth removal may be in the patient’s best interest.

If you require tooth extraction services, please call Great Neck Dental Associates to speak to one of our dentists. Great Neck Dental Associates offers simple and surgical extractions to patients of all ages.

Reasons for Dental Extraction

Your dentist may opt to extract your tooth if you meet any of the below criteria:

• You have an extensively damaged or decayed tooth that cannot be restored via fillings or root canal treatment.
• You have loose teeth, usually because of gum disease.
• You have crowded teeth and need to remove some of them before undergoing orthodontic treatment.
• You’re about to undergo chemotherapy or other major treatment and have a tooth that poses a risk for infection. Extracting such a tooth lowers your risk of suffering an infection in the future.
• You have an impacted tooth.

Extractions are performed on both primary and permanent teeth. While most people associate dental extractions with great pain, the truth is that tooth removal is a relatively painless process. Dentists use local anesthesia to numb the tooth during extraction, ensuring a comfortable experience for the patient. If you experience fear or dental anxiety, you can also opt for sedation dentistry to stay calm and relaxed.

Simple Extractions

Simple or non-surgical extractions are straightforward tooth removal procedures performed on easily accessible teeth.

The steps to a simple tooth extraction are as follows:

• The dentist numbs the tooth and surrounding regions.
• Using a dental elevator or Luxator, the dentist loosens the tooth from its socket.
• The dentist pulls the tooth out of its socket using a pair of forceps.
• After pulling the tooth out, the dentist places a gauze pad at the extraction site to control bleeding.
• If required, the dentist prescribes necessary medications and gives you detailed after-care instructions to ensure timely healing and recovery.

Surgical Extractions

Surgical extractions are more complex as they contain a surgical component. The most common form of surgical extraction is wisdom tooth extraction. Here’s what to expect during a surgical extraction:

• The dentist administers appropriate anesthesia, depending on the needs of the patient. As these extractions are more extensive, the dentist may opt to sedate the patient to ensure a smoother experience.
• The dentist makes a slight incision in your gum tissue to access the tooth. In some cases, the dentist also trims some bone tissue to reach the tooth.
• To make it easier to pull the tooth out, the dentist divides or sections the tooth into smaller pieces.
• Finally, the dentist pulls out the pieces of the tooth until none are left.
• The dentist sutures the incision and places a gauze pad at the extraction site to control bleeding.

You may require surgical extraction if you have impacted wisdom teeth, broken or cracked teeth, or curved roots. In such instances, routine or simple tooth extraction may not succeed in getting the job done.

How to Prepare for Dental Extraction

Are you looking for a trusted dental practice that offers family-friendly tooth extraction services? Great Neck Dental Associates is a reputable dental office that provides outstanding dental care to the community.

If you’re scheduled for dental extraction in Great Neck, NY, our dental team will brief you on how to get ready for your appointment. Some things to keep in mind include:

• Share your medical history, including chronic conditions and current medications, with the dentist. This allows the dentist to plan accordingly.
• Share your concerns and questions with the dentist.
• If you require deep sedation for your procedure, avoid eating for 12 hours before the procedure.
• Avoid smoking before your procedure.
• Make sure your dental insurance cover is up to date.
• Arrange for someone to take you home after your appointment. This tip is especially important if you’re expecting to be sedated for your procedure.

Schedule Your Appointment

A troublesome tooth can wreak havoc on your oral and overall health. So if you have a tooth that requires extraction, don’t hesitate to contact Great Neck Dental Associates to experience exceptional tooth extraction services. Great Neck Dental Associates is a family-friendly dental practice that offers comprehensive dentistry to patients of all ages.