Tooth Extraction

Preservation of your teeth is always the priority in dentistry, but in some cases, extraction is the best solution.

Impaction, crowding, extensive decay, or trauma may make it necessary to extract a tooth in order to restore your smile.

Why would a dentist recommend extraction?

Extraction Is a Virtually Painless Procedure That Can Pave the Way to a Restored Smile.

Improved health.
Extracting a severely decayed or broken tooth can benefit both the health and aesthetics of your smile while setting the stage for restorative treatment.

Preparation for orthodontics.
In cases of overcrowding, teeth may need to be extracted before orthodontic treatment. Preparatory extraction can help you achieve a more symmetrical and attractive smile.

Relief.
Extracting an impacted tooth can help you avoid severe pain and serious damage to surrounding teeth and bone tissue.

Illustration of causes for tooth extraction

Patients Agree: Tooth Extraction Is Not Painful

A 2016 study found that among a group of 52 patients,

50 patients surveyed in 2002 reported only mild post-operative pain.

*According to research published in Clinical Oral Investigations.

Do I Need Tooth Extraction?

Trauma, a toothache, sudden sensitivity, and swelling of the gums are all reasons to contact a dentist immediately. An exam may reveal that a tooth is impacted or too damaged or decayed to be saved. The good news is that extraction makes it possible to undergo one of several procedures that can restore the health and appearance of your smile, including dental implant-supported crowns and bridges.

Five Basic Steps

The dentist administers local anesthesia. Patients can also choose to receive sedation.

Forceps are used to gently loosen the tooth from its socket.

If the tooth is severely impacted, incisions may be made in the gum and bone tissue for easier removal.

Any necessary sutures are placed.

Gauze is applied to the extraction site.

Speak with a Dentist

Avoiding a necessary extraction can only exacerbate other oral health issues. Severely damaged or decayed teeth pose a significant risk of infection that can be detrimental to surrounding teeth, gum tissue, and bone. Impacted teeth can also cause significant damage to surrounding tissues. Meanwhile, orthodontia has limitations when the jaw cannot accommodate all the teeth. In short, extraction is sometimes the best way to restore the health and appearance of your smile.

If you have suffered dental trauma or you are experiencing pain or swelling, schedule an appointment to meet with a dentist and learn more.

John Starr D.M.D.

Golden Triangle Periodontal Center

Dr. John W. Starr Jr provides patients in Columbus and Starkville, MS, with exceptional periodontal care. Since 1989, Dr. Starr has performed thousands of successful dental implant procedures. Dr. John Starr is affiliated with national professional organizations including:

  • American Academy of Periodontology
  • American Dental Association
  • American College of Dentists

For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact us online or call (662) 329-2696.

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