The goal of restorative dentistry is to improve the health, beauty, and function of your smile. With options like fillings and crowns, we can repair and preserve your teeth. But what if something arises that threatens your oral health unless a tooth is removed? In today’s blog, your Prairie Village, KS, dentist talks about our tooth extractions and when this is necessary for your smile!
When We Recommend Extracting a Tooth
When do we recommend extracting a tooth? As we mentioned above, when a tooth is too damaged to be treated with a crown, or if you have a cavity or infection too severe to be addressed with a root canal and crown, then we may need to remove the tooth. Otherwise, infection could spread to other teeth or move into the jaw.
Our team could also extract teeth loosened by gum disease, or to make room for orthodontic treatment. Removal could also be used to pave the way for dentures, or to improve bite balance and chewing function. One common reason is to remove wisdom teeth before they erupt and threaten the health, stability, and appearance of your smile.
Ensuring You Stay Comfortable
We know the idea of an oral surgery like tooth extraction could be a source of anxiety, which is why our team will take steps to ensure you feel relaxed and comfortable throughout the procedure. For example, we will administer a local anesthetic directly to the area where the extraction is taking place, numbing this portion of your smile. We could also offer dental sedation to help you enter a deep state of calm and relaxation, with little to no memory of the procedure at all.
Removing and Replacing Teeth
With digital x-rays, we will plan the extraction in detail, so we can avoid contact with nerve tissues, sinus cavities, or blood vessels. We then numb the area and offer sedation before we gently remove the tooth with a pair of forceps. For some, this could take as little as a half hour to complete. You will then need to rest and follow our instructions for a day or two to ensure a clot forms and stays in place, which is essential for the healing process. If you have any questions about how we conduct a tooth extraction to preserve your smile, then contact our team today to learn more.
Learn More About Our Tooth Extractions
Dr. Browne and his team in Prairie Village, KS, can offer oral surgery and restorative dentistry to protect and improve your oral health, which could involve repairing a tooth or even removing one completely. When you have a tooth that needs removal, then reach out to our team today by calling 913-901-8585.
