Your dentist’s goal is to keep your teeth strong and healthy so that you can use and enjoy them for as long as possible. Tooth extractions are generally the last option taken to preserve your oral health, but they are sometimes necessary. Lutke Dental performs tooth extractions to help maintain the oral health of patients in Plano, TX.
Reasons for a Tooth Extraction
- Severe tooth decay
- Impacted wisdom teeth
- Crowded teeth
- Failure of a baby tooth to fall out when it should to allow a permanent tooth to come in
Failing to remove a tooth when it is necessary can lead to the formation of an abscess or the development of an infection.
The procedure of Tooth Extraction
There are two types of extractions that can be performed. If the affected tooth is visible above the gum line and can easily be accessed, a simple extraction can be used. This less invasive option consists of your dentist grabbing the tooth with forceps to remove it. However, if the tooth lies deeper in the gums, a surgical extraction will be needed.
An anesthetic is used for a surgical extraction; a local anesthetic can be used to numb one tooth, but if multiple teeth are being removed, a general anesthetic may be used to leave you sedated for the duration of the procedure. An incision will be made into the gum tissue to allow your dentist access to the tooth. Once it can be seen, it will be gripped and loosened by being pulled back and forth. It can then be lifted out of the gums. If it is too firmly lodged in place, it can be broken up into smaller pieces first. After all, extractions have been completed, the sites will be closed by having the gum tissue replaced. Sutures may be used to help with healing.
After an Extraction
Following a tooth extraction, you will need to handle the affected areas with care. Our team at Lutke Dental will provide you with special instructions on what to eat and how to keep the area clean to ensure that you heal properly.
If you are having issues with one or more teeth, make an appointment at Lutke Dental for a consultation in Plano. If an extraction is needed, you can have confidence that the procedure will be performed with care.
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