Surgical Extractions
Surgical extractions are used to remove teeth that cannot be removed with conventional extraction methods. When teeth are impacted they may require surgical removal. At Freeman Dental, surgical extractions can also be used to remove teeth that haven’t erupted, teeth that are located in the back of the mouth, and teeth that are difficult to remove due to the position of the tooth or the shape of the tooth.
Why You May Need a Surgical Extraction?
When you have a tooth or teeth that are impacted, impacted wisdom teeth, or teeth that are crowded, a surgical extraction may be necessary. When teeth are impacted, it means they are fully or partially trapped below the gum surface. This happens most often with wisdom teeth since they are often blocked by other teeth or gum tissue. Impacted teeth can lead to a painful infection if left untreated. Crowded teeth may need to be removed to make space for braces or other orthodontics.
Benefits of Surgical Extractions
Minimally Invasive Procedure
Surgical extractions can be done using local or general anesthesia. During local anesthesia, an injection of numbing medication, such as lidocaine, is administered near the tooth or teeth. An oral surgeon can also administer IV sedation, which can help you relax and not feel any discomfort during the procedure.
Fewer Complications
Unlike non-surgical extractions, surgical extractions can be done at almost any age. They are often recommended when a tooth is impacted or has extensive decay. Surgical extractions almost always result in less swelling and bleeding than non-surgical extractions, which means the patient often experiences less discomfort.
Eliminate Pain
As teeth become damaged and infected, they can cause significant pain. The pain caused by infected teeth can be unbearable and is often managed with over-the-counter painkillers. By extracting the damaged and infected teeth, patients experiencing chronic pain can regain their quality of life again.
Preserved Bone
Although most extractions are non-surgical, there are some instances where surgery is necessary to preserve bone. Removing teeth that are in the way of orthodontic treatment, like wisdom teeth, sometimes require surgery. In these instances, the extraction site will need to be treated with a combination of bone grafting and tissue grafting to help the bone regrow.
Maintain Facial Profile
Surgical extractions can help maintain facial harmony by preserving a patient’s profile. For example, if a patient has teeth that are too large for the mouth, they may look out of proportion. By removing one or more teeth, the face can be balanced and look more attractive.
Maintain Bite Alignment
Misaligned teeth can cause bite issues, such as teeth grinding and TMJ disorder. When the teeth aren’t properly aligned, the muscles of the jaw are forced to work harder to chew. This can cause painful jaw disorders. When the teeth aren’t aligned, it’s also more difficult to keep the teeth clean, which can lead to issues like tooth decay and gum disease.
Surgical extractions are recommended when teeth aren’t sufficiently aligned to be treated with braces. These extractions ensure patients can properly chew and digest food while also reducing jaw pain.
Get in touch with Freeman Dental at (270) 247-1966 for our Mayfield location to book an appointment for the best dental care for your specific needs.
