A surgical tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth from its socket in the bone after cutting into the gum to expose the tooth. You might need a surgical extraction for many reasons, including if your wisdom teeth are impacted or cannot be removed in one piece.
While the procedure can sound intimidating, it is essential to know that it is performed by our general dentist only if it is deemed medically necessary. At Gentilly Family Dental, LLC, we use local anesthesia that numbs the area where the procedure is being performed. We also offer nitrous oxide sedation to keep patients relaxed during their procedure.
Reasons for Surgical Teeth Extractions
Teeth extraction is a procedure where a tooth is removed from its socket in the jawbone, usually due to decay or trauma. If one or more teeth are severely decayed or damaged and cannot be fixed with a crown or filling, the dentist may extract the tooth to prevent further infection and damage to the surrounding tissues. Some patients may need teeth extracted to prepare for orthodontic treatment later on.
In the case of impacted wisdom teeth, you may require a surgical extraction. Impacted wisdom teeth fail to erupt through the gums fully and become stuck below the gum line. This can cause complications with hygiene, as the impacted wisdom teeth are difficult to clean. You may also experience jaw pain and pressure from the erupting wisdom teeth. If an impacted wisdom tooth is causing you pain or discomfort, our dentist may recommend it be extracted.
Our dentist can discuss restorative dentistry options with you if the space left by an extracted tooth needs to be filled. A dental implant is one of the most common ways to replace a missing tooth and restore your smile’s function and beauty.
The Benefits of Surgical Extraction
A tooth may be extracted because there is not enough room in the mouth for it to erupt or because it is impacted and can’t break through the gums. Overcrowding can lead to other teeth becoming misaligned, so it is often best to remove problematic teeth early to avoid complications in the future.
It may also be necessary to extract a tooth damaged by injury or decay that cannot be saved. Sometimes extraction is recommended to prepare the mouth for orthodontic treatment by creating a space for orthodontic alignment.
If you have a tooth that is impacted, damaged, or infected, it is best to have it evaluated by our dentist and determine if it can be saved or must be extracted. For more information, visit Gentilly Family Dental, LLC, at 2610 Esplanade Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119, or call (504) 482-9919 to schedule an appointment.