Why You Might Need a Surgical Tooth Extraction

Most dentists will save teeth when given a choice instead of having them extracted. Sometimes, however, a tooth simply cannot be saved due to severe decay, bone loss, or extensive damage. Under these circumstances, dentists may recommend extraction. If you need to have one or more teeth removed, contact the team at Dreamtime Dentistry, Vista, California, for safe, pain-free teeth extraction. 

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Reasons for Extraction 

There are certain situations that warrant tooth extraction. These situations are:

  • Irreparable tooth damage due to severe decay or dental trauma
  • Irreversible bone loss due to periodontal disease
  • Impacted wisdom teeth
  • Overcrowding, prompting the removal of one or more teeth for orthodontic treatment

After evaluating your situation, your dentist will let you know if extraction is the best course of action for you.

Simple vs. Surgical Extraction

There are two types of tooth extraction: simple and surgical. If your tooth is visible and accessible above the gum line, your dentist can perform a simple extraction. This could be a molar extraction or another tooth that can be easily removed with forceps.

If your tooth is impacted (not fully broken through the gum line), such as a wisdom tooth, your dentist may need to perform a surgical extraction. For impacted wisdom tooth removal, a small incision is made in your gum to remove tissue or bone blocking your tooth so it can be extracted. Then your gum is stitched to help it heal. 

Tooth Extraction Aftercare

It’s normal for a blood clot to form at the extraction site to help it heal. You’ll need to be careful not to interfere with this process. Avoid drinking from a straw, spitting forcefully, and smoking for the first few days after your extraction, as it could dislodge the clot. Eat only soft foods and rinse the area gently to keep it clean. Your dentist will give you full instructions on caring for the site until it heals and provide pain pills to keep you comfortable during your recovery.

To schedule a consultation for tooth extraction, contact the team from Dreamtime Dentistry, Vista, CA, at (760) 274-0993.