Sometimes, a tooth may develop an oral health concern or become damaged to a degree that a filling or crown cannot help. In these cases, you may need to have the tooth removed in order to protect your smile. In today’s blog, your Prairie Village, KS, dentist talks about tooth extraction and when this procedure is necessary.
When a Tooth Requires Removal
We may recommend a tooth extraction when a tooth is severely cracked or broken and repair isn’t possible, or if a tooth is too decayed for a filling or crown to address. We also remove teeth too infected for a root canal to correct. Tooth extraction could make room for orthodontic treatment, pave the way for dentures, or could prevent wisdom tooth impaction, as we can remove the wisdom teeth before they even erupt. When we prescribe this option, it is to protect the smile as a whole, and prevent the spread of infection and other serious concerns.
Ensuring Your Comfort
We know the idea of a tooth extraction could be anxiety-inducing for some, which is why we take steps to ensure our patients are comfortable throughout the procedure, even if they have anxiety or special needs. With a local anesthetic, we can numb the area directly. We also have sedation, which helps people enter a deep state of calm and relaxation, often with little to no memory of the procedure at all.
The Tooth Extraction Process
Our team will examine your smile with digital x-rays, which use 90% less radiation and provide images instantly chairside, so we can walk you through the diagnostic process. Our team will use these to identify any nearby nerve tissues, sinus cavities, or blood vessels, ensuring we avoid them during the tooth extraction. Our team will gently extract the tooth with a pair or forceps. Once we do, we will suture the area closed and provide detailed aftercare instructions, and also prescriptions for medications to aid in the healing process. We then remove these sutures in a follow-up visit and make sure the area is healing as it should.
If you have any questions about how we extract teeth and why this could be necessary for your smile, then contact our team today to learn more. You should also consider a checkup and cleaning visit if you haven’t had one this year!
Learn More About Restorative Dentistry
Dr. Browne and his team in Prairie Village, KS, wants to offer restorative care to keep your smile strong, so you avoid major complications and enjoy a healthy and attractive smile. When you need a tooth removed, reach out to our team today by calling 913-901-8585. We want to help you and your family smile with confidence!
