Keeping your smile healthy for life is our top priority at StoneRidge Dental Care.
We always do everything we can to preserve a patient’s natural teeth. Whether a tooth has been irrevocably compromised due to disease, injury, or the natural aging process, tooth extraction is sometimes necessary. At our Gahanna, OH practice, we understand that the idea of losing a tooth can be daunting. Our team is dedicated to ensuring the process is handled with the utmost clinical precision and emotional support, prioritizing your long-term oral health and comfort throughout every stage of the procedure.
What Is A Tooth Extraction?
A tooth extraction is a procedure designed to completely remove a tooth in its entirety, including the visible portion of a tooth along with its roots. While our goal is always conservation, removing a tooth that is beyond repair is often the most effective way to eliminate pain and prevent the spread of infection to the rest of your mouth.
When Is A Tooth Extraction Necessary?
While we strive to preserve a patient’s natural teeth, a tooth extraction might be necessary when a tooth’s structure has become irrevocably compromised. When disease, damage, injury, or another issue weakens a tooth beyond treatment, we recommend extraction to resolve the problem and safeguard your health and neighboring teeth.
A tooth removal might be necessary in the following cases:
- The tooth is severely fractured.
- There’s significant bone loss as a result of periodontal disease.
- You’re experiencing infection or other problems after a root canal.
- The tooth is severely decayed.
- Wisdom teeth are impacted, not fully erupted, or do not have enough room to come in naturally.
If our dentists believe you need a tooth removal, we can answer any questions you might have and help you prepare for your upcoming procedure.
What To Expect If You Need To Have A Tooth Extracted
Tooth extractions fall into two categories: surgical extraction and regular extraction, depending on the state of the tooth that needs to be removed.
At the beginning of your appointment, a local anesthetic is administered to ensure you experience no pain or discomfort during the removal.
- If your tooth is in one piece and fully emerged above the gum line, the dentist loosens it using a special tool and then pulls it.
- If the tooth is broken or is still below your gum line, a surgical extraction is necessary. This involves making an incision in the gums to ensure the removal of the entire tooth.
Depending on the type of extraction, our dentists provide you with after-care instructions designed to mitigate pain, prevent infection, and help your gums heal properly. We can also talk with you about your options for tooth replacement if desired or medically recommended.
Once a tooth is extracted, our team at StoneRidge Dental Care generally recommends a bone graft to prevent significant loss of bone structure and maintain arch integrity. It can also help with healing, overall jaw structure, and allow for future replacement options.
Thankfully, having a tooth extracted does not mean you have to endure the challenges of living with an incomplete smile. From dental implants and bridges to a variety of dentures, at StoneRidge Dental Care, we have several tooth replacement treatment options designed to meet the needs of our patients in Gahanna OH, Blacklick, New Albany, and the surrounding communities.