Extractions Specialist

What are extractions?

Extractions are procedures for removing a tooth or teeth that your dentist at Pastel Dental can't repair. Modern techniques enable dentists to save broken and decayed teeth far more frequently than ever before, but on some occasions, extraction is the only option.

Extracting fully erupted teeth is something your dentist can do under local anesthetic and is typically a straightforward procedure. Using special instruments, your dentist raises the tooth and cuts the periodontal ligament keeping it in place. They can then remove your tooth with dental forceps.

Less accessible teeth, such as ones that haven't fully erupted, require surgical extraction. Your dentist at Pastel Dental makes cuts into the gum and drills out the tooth along with some bone tissue.

Why would I need an extraction?

Common reasons for requiring extractions include:

Severe decay

Tooth decay is the foremost cause of extractions, with around two-thirds of procedures resulting from untreatable decay. If the outer part of your tooth is in acceptable condition, your dentist can perform a root canal procedure to preserve the tooth. However, if decay has severely damaged the outer layers of your tooth, extraction is inevitable.

Gum disease

Periodontal or gum disease doesn't just damage your gums – it can weaken the underlying bone so severely that your teeth become loose.

Orthodontics

Orthodontics is the wearing of braces and devices like Invisalign® to straighten your teeth. To work properly, there needs to be room for the teeth to realign, which sometimes means removing one or more teeth.

Cracked teeth

In most cases, the Pastel Dental team can save cracked teeth with root canals. However, where repair is impossible, they perform extractions.

Wisdom teeth

Wisdom teeth at the back of your mouth sometimes become impacted or fail to erupt properly and may need a surgical extraction.

What happens after a tooth extraction?

Gaps that remain after tooth extractions shouldn't be left, as the jaw bone can deteriorate and other teeth shift position. Therefore, you need to follow up on your extraction by replacing the missing tooth.

Dental implants are one of the most effective solutions, as they provide a secure new root around which the bone grows. With a customized crown, a dental implant is indistinguishable from your natural teeth and preserves the health of your jawbone.

Other options include bridges and dentures. Your dentist at Pastel Dental can discuss which option is most suitable for you.

To benefit from the team's experience in performing extractions, call Pastel Dental today or book an appointment online.