Tooth Extractions
Dr. Rosado’s goal is to make sure your mouth is healthy, but, sometimes, teeth just need to be removed. Simple extractions might be required to restore your oral health.
We do not use general anesthesia. We ensure complete numbness with local anesthesia. Extractions vary in difficulty and may take anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes. If you are in pain, give us a call, we will see you ASAP and sometimes can even extract a problem tooth on the same day.
Why would a tooth need to be extracted?
Sometimes the removal of a tooth will be recommended for orthodontic reasons. Overcrowding of teeth can prevent proper occlusion (teeth meeting together correctly), and removal of the tooth makes it possible to align the remaining teeth properly.
Severe damage is another reason why a tooth may require extraction. A tooth can become severely damaged when a cavity finds its way down to the center of the tooth, known as the pulp, or when the tooth has suffered some form of trauma. If possible, an attempt can be made to save the tooth by way of root canal therapy however, in some cases, the tooth cannot be saved. In these instances, removal of the tooth can become necessary to prevent infection from damaging the surrounding areas.
Periodontal disease can cause gums, tissue, and bone surrounding a tooth to recede, making it hard to maintain the tooth. In severe cases, removing the tooth may be the only option.
What is socket preservation?
When a tooth is extracted, it leaves an empty space (socket), which will cause the bone in the area to shrink as much as 40-60% within a year! This can reduce the support for neighboring teeth and make it harder to get dental implants. Socket preservation involves placing material into the extraction site in order to stimulate your own bone to grow in and prevent shrinkage. It just takes a few minutes and can be done at your extraction appointment.
What is the difference between a simple and surgical extraction?
Simple extractions can be performed at our office using a local anesthetic. They are performed on teeth that are visible in the mouth; not concealed beneath the gums or bone.
Surgical extractions are usually more complicated, as they are necessary when the teeth have not fully erupted or are severely damaged. This can include folding back gum tissue or the removal of bone in order to access the tooth that requires extraction.
