Categories: Dental Sedation

Oral Surgery: When You Need A Tooth Removed

Your Dallas, TX, dental team knows that invasive dental procedures may cause anxiety for some patients. However, tooth extractions are often a helpful way to relieve discomfort and protect your oral health. If you have been told you need to have one of your pearly whites removed, we will do our best to help you feel at ease throughout the process. Today, we are discussing what you should know about this common oral surgery procedure.

Is There An Alternative To An Extraction?

Usually, removing a tooth is the last resort for your dentist. Before deciding on this treatment, other restorative techniques may have been used instead. For example, if you are experiencing tooth decay, options like dental fillings or root canals can help treat this problem. If decay were ignored or the treatments failed, the area could become more damaged. Your dentist may also recommend removing one of your pearly whites if it is overcrowding your other structures or has been severely damaged. In this case, it is often better to remove the problem tooth and protect your oral health. Leaving a damaged or infected dental structure untreated may cause discomfort and sensitivity that can interrupt your well-being.

What Happens During This Procedure?

We know that surgery can be intimidating for our patients. We will do our best to help you feel comfortable throughout your appointment, starting with sedation. The local area will be numb for your comfort. If several teeth are being removed or you experience dental anxiety, other forms of sedation may be available. You will be awake and able to respond during the appointment but should not feel discomfort throughout your visit. Sedation may come in the form of laughing gas or through an oral medication depending on your needs. Once you are comfortable, a small incision can be made, and your tooth will be removed gently. The area will be cleaned, and gauze may be placed. Your dentist will send you home with specific aftercare instructions.

Will Your Tooth Be Replaced?

If the structure removed is important to the function and appearance of your smile it will be replaced with a prosthetic. You can discuss these options with your dentist. Options like a dental bridge or implants can be used to address a few missing teeth. If you have more serious tooth loss, dentures may be a more preferred option. Your prosthetic will be created to precisely match your needs and look lifelike. Bridges and dentures are typically removable unless they are retained by implants. Dental implants are a secure option that can mimic the entire structure of your missing tooth, including the root. This helps keep your jaw strong and prevent bone loss.