Extractions
We all experience a little involuntary shiver at the idea of a Dental Extraction, but it can be quick and painless with the right dentist. Dr. Pelaez with Dentistry of Virginia Beach has over thirteen years of experience, and continues to seek new information all the time. He furthers his dental education at every opportunity, so you know your teeth are in good hands (just try not to bite his!)
What are the reasons for Dental Extractions?
Without proper maintenance and preventative care, teeth can become so damaged by decay, trauma or disease that removal is the only option.
Sometimes teeth may become impacted, which means that they haven’t fully broken through the gums. This is most commonly seen with wisdom teeth.
Certain infections, if left unchecked, can result in an extraction.
Teeth can become crowded, and one or two teeth may need to be removed in order to make room for the rest.
How is the Dental Extraction done?
Generally, an extraction procedure is routine. For simple extractions, local anesthetic is usually sufficient and the tooth is gripped with a dental instrument and gently wriggled out. There are specific cases, however, where the tooth can be more difficult to release from the bone. Surgical extractions are more complex, typically requiring a small incision in the gums.
What happens with the gap?
There are a number of replacement options for the empty space where your tooth used to be:
You will want to carefully follow all post-extractions with any treatments prescribed by your dentist. There may be oozing of blood from the extraction site for the first 24 hours, but if it continues beyond that time, contact us. If you have a tooth (or teeth) that are sensitive, infected or damaged by decay, or if you’ve had a persistent toothache for weeks, call Dentistry of Virginia Beach to find out if an extraction is the right option to relieve your pain.