Stone Creek Dental is a trusted local dentist office that offers many dental services to improve their patient’s oral health. Dr. Thampi and Dr. Jennings offer dental extractions for patients whose teeth are beyond repair. Saving a tooth with a dental filling, dental crown, or root canal is ideal. However, in some cases, removing the tooth is the best option for the patient’s oral health. We can provide you with a tooth extraction in Denton, TX if your tooth if you suffer from severe tooth decay or damage.
When is a Tooth Extraction Necessary?
There are several reasons a tooth extraction may be necessary. In most cases, it is to prevent further oral health problems or to relieve pain. Dr. Thampi or Dr. Jennings may recommend tooth extraction in Denton, TX for the following reasons:
- Impacted tooth
- Infected tooth or gums
- Overcrowded teeth
- Tooth blocking a permanent tooth
- Extra tooth
- Wisdom teeth requiring extraction
Tooth Extraction in Denton, TX
During a consultation or dental appointment, Dr. Thampi or Dr. Jennings will determine if you need a tooth extraction. They will rely on X-rays, oral exams, and other diagnostics to help determine this.
During your appointment, they will first prepare you for the procedure. Your dentist will administer local anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth.
Dr. Thampi or Dr. Jennings will perform a simple or surgical extraction. A simple tooth extraction involves using an instrument called an elevator to loosen the tooth and then remove the tooth with forceps.
If the tooth is broken at the gum line or has not fully emerged (impacted), a surgical extraction may be necessary. This is a more complex procedure and involves cutting into the gums to remove the tooth. In some cases, the dentist will need to remove some of the bone around the tooth to get the tooth out. Sutures are necessary to close the extraction site.
Following your tooth extraction, the dentist will place gauze over the extraction site to control bleeding. A clot needs to form in the gap to inhibit healing. Patients are given specific instructions for immediate care, including avoiding certain foods and activities.
What are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the third and last set of molars to develop and erupt. They typically appear in your late teenage years to early adulthood, between the ages of 17 and 25. Most people have four wisdom teeth, one in each corner. However, some people may only develop 1-3 of them.
Due to evolution, our mouths are smaller and there is less room for this last set of teeth. Because of this, wisdom teeth often cause many dental issues for patients. This is why it has become common practice to remove them. But still, some patients will not have them removed. They have enough room in their mouth to accommodate these teeth with zero issues. Regular dental checkups and X-rays will help your dentist monitor the growth of your third molars. Your dentist will let you know if you need your wisdom teeth removed.
Wisdom Teeth Removal: When is it Necessary?
Wisdom teeth removal is necessary when they are causing problems for the patient. In most cases, they have the potential to lead to dental issues in the future. This is why it has become common practice to simply remove them once they erupt. However, if you are suffering from any of the following signs, removal is necessary:
- Persistent pain at the back of the mouth, near the wisdom teeth, can indicate issues like impaction, infection, or crowding.
- If the wisdom teeth are impacted or infected, you might experience trouble fully opening your mouth due to pain or swelling.
- Signs of infection, impaction, or crowding include red, swollen, tender, or bleeding gums near the wisdom teeth. These are a clear indication that extraction is necessary.
- Cysts can form around untreated wisdom teeth, potentially damaging the jawbone, teeth, and nerves.
- Wisdom teeth can push against neighboring teeth, causing pain, bite problems, or crowding, necessitating orthodontic treatment.
- Partially erupted wisdom teeth can be hard to clean leading to decay that might not be treatable with fillings or root canals alone.
- Reoccurring inflammation of the gum tissue around the crown of the partially erupted tooth.
- Wisdom teeth can contribute to the crowding of existing teeth, impacting orthodontic results or the natural alignment of teeth.
- The growth of upper wisdom teeth can push against the sinuses, causing pressure, pain, and congestion.
Schedule an Appointment for a Tooth Extraction in Denton, TX
If you are experiencing tooth pain or believe you may need a tooth extraction, contact Stone Creek Dental to schedule an appointment.