Sometimes it is necessary to extract a tooth. This situation can arise for a variety of reasons, including crowding, infection, and damage.
A tooth may need to be extracted in cases where a deciduous “baby” tooth will not fall out on its own, causing issues with the eruption of permanent teeth. Other common scenarios include severely broken down or non-restorable teeth due to decay or trauma.
Wisdom teeth are frequently extracted because they often become impacted—unable to erupt properly due to lack of space. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, infection, and damage to adjacent teeth. Additionally, extractions may be necessary when a tooth is fractured below the gum line or if there is extensive bone loss around the tooth.
In other instances, extractions are part of orthodontic treatment plans to create space for proper alignment of remaining teeth. Patients undergoing radiation therapy or chemotherapy may require extractions to prevent infections and promote healing. Certain medical conditions, such as uncontrolled diabetes or autoimmune disorders, can also influence the decision to extract a tooth.
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are highly trained specialists who perform dental extractions with precision and care. With extensive education in both medicine and dentistry, these professionals handle complex cases involving impacted teeth, ankylosed (fused) teeth, or teeth requiring surgical removal due to their position.
The office of Mark G. Womack, DDS & Ya-Sin Peaks, MD, DMD is well-versed in performing extractions for patients with complex medical histories. They are equipped to manage patients who take medications that affect bleeding, such as blood thinners, or those with conditions like osteoporosis or autoimmune diseases. Our surgeons work closely with patients' primary care physicians and specialists to ensure safe and effective treatment.
Our oral and maxillofacial surgeons use advanced techniques and state-of-the-art equipment for all extraction procedures. This includes the use of three-dimensional imaging and digital planning tools, which allow for accurate diagnosis and precise surgical execution. By employing these technologies, we can minimize trauma to surrounding tissues and reduce post-operative discomfort.
Following extractions, our surgeons provide detailed post-operative instructions tailored to each patient's needs. These guidelines help patients manage pain, prevent infection, and promote healing. Regular follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor the extraction site and ensure proper recovery.
There are two primary types of dental extractions: simple and surgical. Simple extractions involve removing a tooth that is visible in the mouth and can be extracted using forceps or elevators. These procedures are typically performed under local anesthesia, which numbs the area around the tooth.
The office of Mark G. Womack, DDS & Ya-Sin Peaks, MD, DMD provides experienced care for simple extractions, ensuring patient comfort throughout the procedure. In some cases, additional sedation options such as nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or intravenous sedation can be administered to alleviate anxiety and provide a more relaxed experience.
Surgical extractions are required when a tooth is not fully erupted, broken below the gum line, or impacted. These procedures involve making an incision in the gum tissue to expose the tooth and may require removing bone or sectioning the tooth into smaller pieces for easier removal. Surgical extractions often necessitate more complex techniques and are typically performed under local anesthesia with additional sedation.
In addition to routine dental extractions, our oral and maxillofacial surgeons perform specialized procedures such as impacted canine extractions, which involve removing upper or lower canine teeth that have failed to erupt properly. These cases require careful planning and execution to avoid damaging adjacent structures.
Before the extraction procedure begins, our team will review your medical history and discuss any medications you are taking to ensure a safe and effective treatment plan. We may request additional tests or consultations with specialists if necessary. On the day of the procedure, you will be given detailed instructions on what to expect during and after the extraction.
During the extraction process, our surgeons will use appropriate anesthesia to ensure your comfort. For simple extractions, local anesthesia is typically sufficient. For surgical extractions or patients with high anxiety levels, additional sedation options may be recommended.
After the tooth has been extracted, our team will provide you with post-operative care instructions tailored to your specific needs. These guidelines include information on managing pain and swelling, preventing infection, and promoting healing. It is essential to follow these instructions closely to minimize complications and ensure a smooth recovery process.
The office of Mark G. Womack, DDS & Ya-Sin Peaks, MD, DMD offers compassionate support throughout the extraction process, from pre-operative consultations to post-operative follow-up appointments. Our goal is to provide you with exceptional care in a comfortable and stress-free environment.
Proper post-operative care is crucial for ensuring a smooth recovery after dental extractions. Following your oral surgeon's instructions closely will help minimize discomfort, prevent infection, and promote healing. Immediately after the procedure, it is common to experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort.
To manage these symptoms, our team recommends applying an ice pack to the affected area for 20 minutes at a time during the first 24 hours. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be taken as directed to alleviate discomfort. Avoiding hard or crunchy foods and maintaining a soft food diet for the first few days will help prevent irritation to the extraction site.
Oral hygiene is essential during the healing process, but it's important to avoid brushing or flossing near the extraction site for the first 24 hours. After this period, gentle rinsing with warm salt water can help keep the area clean and reduce the risk of infection. Your surgeon will provide specific guidelines on when you can resume normal oral hygiene practices.
Following extractions, it is crucial to attend all scheduled follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and address any concerns or complications that may arise. Regular check-ups allow our team to ensure proper healing and provide additional support if needed.
The extraction of a tooth is sometimes necessary for optimal oral health. It can be an important step in addressing various dental issues, from crowding and infection to trauma or orthodontic treatment needs.
The oral surgeons at Mark G. Womack, DDS & Ya-Sin Peaks, MD, DMD are highly skilled professionals who provide compassionate care tailored to each patient's unique situation. By staying informed about the reasons for extractions, understanding the procedures involved, and following proper post-operative care instructions, patients can ensure a successful outcome and maintain good oral health.
If you have questions or concerns about dental extractions or need further information, we invite you to reach out to us. Our dedicated team is here to support you throughout your surgical journey.
The most common reasons for tooth loss include advanced periodontal disease, extensive tooth decay, and facial trauma. According to statistics, gum disease is responsible for close to 70% of tooth loss in adults. Although less frequent than the preceding three reasons, it should also be noted that specific diseases, drugs, smoking, and poor nutrition contribute to the risk of tooth loss.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that in the United States, an average of 12 teeth (including the wisdom teeth) are lost by the age of 50. Also, 26% of adults between 65 and 74 years of age have lost all their teeth.
Every patient and every situation is different. However, when a tooth and the surrounding tissues are numbed with a local anesthetic, you should only expect to feel a bit of pressure, but no pain as the tooth is being loosened from the surrounding tissues and extracted. For patients who are apprehensive and for some surgical extractions, our office will discuss our options in dental sedation to provide further relaxation and reduce any sense of discomfort.
While it's normal to feel some tenderness and swelling following an extraction, the degree of these sensations can vary. It mostly depends on the complexity of the extraction and the body's response to the procedure. We'll recommend or prescribe the appropriate pain medication to help ensure your comfort and give you specific instructions for maximum effectiveness and safety.
Typically, the recovery period following a simple extraction is shorter than a surgical extraction. However, a patient's overall health, habits, and the size and location of the tooth, and other variables can influence recovery and healing. To speed up the recovery and avoid any complications, patients must follow the given at-home instructions diligently. We'll carefully review what to expect following your procedure and go over your post-op instructions.
Smoking interferes with blood clot formation, which is an essential first step in the healing process. Blot clot formation not only provides a protective layer to cover the underlying exposed bone and nerve endings, but it also supports the growth of new tissue. Cigarette smoke also contains chemical toxins that can disrupt the healing process and lead to problems such as continued inflammation, infection, or dry socket.
In a very small percentage of cases, a condition known as dry socket can develop in the aftermath of a dental extraction. This painful condition can arise when the blood clot in the extraction site doesn't form properly or gets dislodged. With dry socket, you may experience throbbing pain and symptoms such as bad breath and an unpleasant taste in your mouth. As skilled providers of care, our office will provide immediate treatment to alleviate your discomfort and promote healing.
The last teeth in your mouth to develop, wisdom teeth often do not have enough room to fully erupt or may be positioned in the wrong direction. These issues can affect your dental health as well as overall wellbeing. While some individuals never develop all their wisdom teeth, and a few have sufficient space for them, there are many people with partially or fully impacted third molars. Our office will monitor the development, position, and health of your wisdom teeth and will advise you if and when extractions are indicated.
After a tooth is removed, bone-grafting material is sometimes placed in the socket to promote healing and encourage new bone development. This procedure is often performed to support the eventual and successful placement of a dental implant.
At the office of Mark G. Womack, DDS & Ya-Sin Peaks, MD, DMD, we strive to make dental care affordable and accessible. Depending on the type or complexity of the extraction and other variables, the cost of the procedure can vary. Based on our diagnostic findings, our office will inform you of the healthiest choices in care, explain the fees, discuss insurance coverage, and explain your payment options.
Many dental plans offer some level of coverage for tooth extractions. We'll advise you if your plan covers the full cost of the procedure and if there is any out-of-pocket expense. Our business office will work with you to maximize your insurance benefits as much as possible while helping you minimize any out-of-pocket expenses.
