When possible, dentists generally try to preserve natural teeth. However, there are situations when a tooth is too damaged, infected, or otherwise problematic to be predictably restored. In these cases, a tooth extraction may be recommended.
At Rapha Dental, we provide tooth extraction near Delran, NJ at our Cinnaminson office. Before recommending an extraction, Dr. Mark Huh evaluates the tooth and discusses whether saving it is a reasonable option.
When Is a Tooth Extraction Necessary?
A tooth may need to be removed for several reasons. Common situations include:
- Severe tooth decay that cannot be predictably restored
- A badly broken or fractured tooth
- Advanced gum disease with significant loss of support
- Certain dental infections
- Problematic wisdom teeth
- Teeth that interfere with an orthodontic treatment plan
- Teeth that cannot be successfully restored with other dental treatment
An extraction isn’t automatically the first choice for a damaged tooth. Depending on the condition of the tooth, treatments such as a filling, crown, or root canal may sometimes allow it to be preserved.
A dental examination and appropriate X-rays help determine which treatment makes the most sense.
Simple vs. Surgical Tooth Extraction
There are different types of dental extractions depending on the condition and position of the tooth.
Simple Extraction
A simple extraction may be appropriate when the tooth is visible above the gumline and can be removed without surgical access.
The area is numbed with local anesthetic before the tooth is carefully loosened and removed.
Surgical Extraction
A surgical extraction may be necessary when a tooth is broken below the gumline, difficult to access, impacted, or otherwise cannot be removed with a straightforward extraction.
Depending on the situation, a small amount of gum or surrounding bone may need to be accessed, or the tooth may need to be divided into sections for removal.
Your dentist will evaluate the tooth beforehand and explain what type of extraction is expected.
Does a Tooth Extraction Hurt?
Local anesthetic is used to numb the treatment area before an extraction. You may notice pressure or movement during the procedure, but the goal is to keep you comfortable throughout treatment.
It’s important to tell your dentist if you’re particularly nervous about having a tooth removed.
Rapha Dental also offers nitrous oxide and oral sedation for appropriate patients who experience dental anxiety or would benefit from additional help staying comfortable during treatment.
Your dentist can discuss whether sedation is appropriate based on your health history and the procedure being performed.
What Should You Expect After an Extraction?
Some soreness, swelling, or minor bleeding can occur after a tooth is removed. Your dentist will provide instructions based on your particular procedure.
General recommendations may include:
- Bite gently on gauze as directed
- Avoid disturbing the extraction site
- Avoid vigorous rinsing immediately after treatment
- Follow instructions regarding eating and drinking
- Keep the rest of your mouth clean while being gentle around the extraction site
- Take recommended or prescribed medications as directed
- Avoid smoking or tobacco use during healing
A blood clot normally forms in the extraction socket and plays an important role in healing. Protecting this clot during the early healing period can reduce the risk of complications such as dry socket.
Contact your dentist if you experience severe or increasing pain, persistent heavy bleeding, significant swelling, fever, or other symptoms that concern you.
What Happens After a Tooth Is Removed?
Not every extracted tooth needs to be replaced. Wisdom teeth, for example, generally aren’t replaced.
However, when a permanent tooth that contributes to your bite is removed, your dentist may discuss whether replacing it would be beneficial.
Depending on your individual situation, options may include a dental implant, bridge, or removable partial denture.
There is no single replacement option that’s right for everyone. Your oral health, available bone, neighboring teeth, treatment goals, and other factors should be considered before deciding how to replace a missing tooth.
Can an Infected Tooth Be Extracted?
In some situations, extraction may be recommended for a severely infected tooth that cannot be predictably saved.
However, an infected tooth doesn’t automatically need to be removed. Depending on the extent of the damage and the condition of the tooth, root canal treatment may sometimes allow the natural tooth to be preserved.
The appropriate treatment can usually be determined after an examination and dental X-rays.
If you have significant tooth pain, facial swelling, fever, or other signs of a possible dental infection, don’t delay seeking professional dental care.
Tooth Extraction Near Delran, NJ
If you’ve been told that you need an extraction—or you have a painful or badly damaged tooth—Rapha Dental can evaluate the problem and discuss your treatment options.
Our dental office is located in Cinnaminson, conveniently near Delran, New Jersey, and provides both routine and more involved dental extractions when appropriate.
Dr. Mark Huh believes in a conservative approach to dental treatment. If a tooth can reasonably be preserved, we’ll discuss those options with you. If extraction is the appropriate treatment, we’ll explain what to expect before proceeding.
For patients looking for comprehensive dental care in the area, learn more about Rapha Dental’s dental care near Delran, NJ.
Contact Rapha Dental or call (856) 829-8668 to schedule an appointment.