Tooth extraction is a dental procedure in which a tooth is removed from its socket in the jawbone. It is typically performed by a dentist or oral surgeon under local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia, depending on the complexity of the extraction and the patient's preference.
When Is a Tooth Extraction Necessary
Phoenix, AZ
As a family dentist in Phoenix, AZ, we are regularly asked, "When is a tooth extraction necessary?" This is an understandable question because no one wants to have a tooth pulled unless it is absolutely beneficial. We are not interested in extracting teeth unless absolutely necessary. In fact, if you damage a tooth, our preferred method of treatment is to restore it using dental veneers or dental crowns. There are times, however, where we do recommend visiting our dental office located at 13821 N 35th Dr Ste 2 Phoenix, AZ 85053 for an extraction.
You were in an accident.
We have the capability to assist patients who have experienced an accident and require urgent dental treatment. Sometimes, dental injuries are only one aspect of the issue, and immediate remedies are crucial. Whenever feasible, we aim to repair the tooth using techniques like dental bonding, dental veneers, or dental crowns. However, in urgent cases, tooth extraction may be unavoidable. If you find yourself in need of an emergency dentist, please contact us at (602) 755-6684 to arrange an appointment. Call us now.
An infection has spread.
If you have a bad dental infection, visit our dentist in Phoenix, AZ as soon as possible. It will be obvious if the infection has spread since you will experience intense discomfort that will make it difficult to bite down, chew, or even carry on with daily activities. We recommend coming in at the first sign of a toothache so we can treat the infection before it reaches the point of being severe. However, if you have delayed an appointment and are now in intense pain, you may need a tooth extraction just to get rid of the infection quickly. While not ideal, we can eliminate the source of the problem, prescribe you antibiotics, and then replace the tooth or teeth in the future with dental crowns and bridges or dental implants.
Check out what others are saying about our oral health support services on Yelp: Why Are My Gums Bleeding? Phoenix
The cost to restore the tooth is too great.
We accept most insurance plans and can also discuss various payment options with you. However, we also realize that sometimes restorative dental work can be cost prohibitive. This is not an inexpensive teeth whitening procedure. Instead, removing an infection can require a full root canal and restoration afterward. If you are in a situation where you cannot afford a root canal, you may want to consider a tooth extraction and then replace the tooth later on when you have the funds to do so. This will address the immediate problem, which is to remove the infection.
Your wisdom teeth are impacted.
One of the most common reasons parents ask, "When is a tooth extraction necessary?" is because their child is developing wisdom teeth. At Phoenix Family Dentistry, our dentist in 85053 does not always extract wisdom teeth. If there is enough room in the mouth for this third set of molars and they are growing straight, they may be able to remain in the mouth. However, it does not work this way for most people. In fact, it is more common for our patients to visit our dental practice complaining that their wisdom teeth hurt. This can happen when they grow impacted. Their actual growth can cause discomfort and push other teeth forward (which is inconvenient if you or your child has had braces). As they grow in impacted or sideways, space will be created for food to become trapped, and this area often becomes infected. In this way, wisdom teeth can pose a health risk. As a cosmetic dentistry office, we can remove them.
The Extraction Process
While the first question we hear is, "When is a tooth extraction necessary?", the second is always about the process. We understand that our patients are often intimidated by the prospect of needing to have a tooth extracted. This is a process that most people grow up fearing, in part because of popular movies and television conveying an extraction as something truly horrible. The good news is that we can complete the extraction gently, quickly, and while keeping you comfortable. When looking for a "dentist near me" to complete an extraction, be sure to visit one who offers sedation. We do and we will use it to help you relax. Before we get started, you will be sedated and you will receive medication to numb the area.
If your tooth has grown in straight…
We can typically grasp the tooth, wiggle it, and gently but quickly pull it out. This process happens quickly, and afterward, we will clean the area and place gauze there to stop the bleeding.
If your tooth is impacted…
As a cosmetic dentist, we remove impacted teeth as a matter of course. This process, however, is far more complicated because an impacted tooth cannot be pulled. Instead, we have to cut open the gum tissue that surrounds the tooth so we can fully access it. In some cases, other bone or tissue has to be cut away so we have full access to the tooth and can pull it out. If necessary, we may need to pull it out one piece at a time. Afterward, we will clean the area, replace the gum flap, place sutures if necessary, and treat it with gauze.
The Recovery Process After a Tooth Extraction
At Phoenix Family Dentistry, we warn patients that they will be sore for several days and that they will experience some swelling. This is perfectly natural and can be controlled by taking ibuprofen and placing a cold compress or icepack on your face in the area where the tooth was extracted. We encourage our patients to do so for 15 minutes at a time. In preparation for your tooth extraction, you should buy plenty of JELL-O, yogurt, applesauce, and anything else you can eat without actually needing to chew. Within a couple of days, you should be able to add solids back into your diet but will need to be cautious until the area has healed completely.
