A Tooth Extraction May Save Your Smile

When it comes to your oral health, your dentist will do their best to save damaged teeth to keep the natural ones intact. Restorations such as cavities or crowns can be used to repair a tooth after decay or fracture. However, sometimes these restorative measures may not be able to save the structure. Instead, they may need to be removed. Dr. Browne in Prairie Village, KS, offers extractions when necessary to keep your smile healthy.

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When A Root Canal Is Not Successful

One circumstance that may lead you to need a tooth removed is if it has been severely decayed or infected. If you have a cavity, the area may be able to be repaired with a filling. However, when this restoration is delayed for too long, the decay can become too severe, and another restoration may be required. When the decay has reached the pulp of the tooth, your dentist may recommend a root canal treatment. Before this procedure, your dentist will evaluate if the area responds to stimulation. If it does not, it means that the pulp may have died. In this case, a root canal treatment may not be able to recover the area. To prevent the decay from further harming the area or becoming infected, the structure may be removed.

If Wisdom Teeth Have Grown In

Our third molars are also typically removed before they can cause problems. As they grow, the area may be sensitive, or you can experience discomfort when chewing. During your biannual dentist appointment, the growth of these extra teeth can be monitored with X-rays to track when the best time to remove them would be. Wisdom teeth can cause your other teeth to become misaligned, or they can have trouble fully erupting and cause pain. In some cases, they may not cause issues immediately, but it can be difficult to clean the back molars, and this can result in tooth decay in these hard-to-reach areas. To prevent the need for frequent restorations or discomfort, it is often decided to remove them.

Staying Comfortable During The Removal

First, the local area will be numbed. This can help keep you at ease during your appointment. An incision will be made, and the structure will be gently extracted. Following this procedure, your dentist will give you specific aftercare instructions. You may want to eat softer foods and apply a cold compress to the area to reduce swelling. If you have any concerns as you recover, call your team.

Call Us If You Need A Tooth Extracted

When an extraction is decided to be the best option for your needs, do not push off this surgery. You can call Dr. Browne’s team in Prairie Village, KS, today at today at (913) 901-8585.