Very few dentist who are not oral surgeons will list extractions as a preferred service. I have been a small town dentist for over 35 years I have been available for many people who do not wish to see an oral surgeon for many reasons. I have become very proficient with many extractions that other general dentists might avoid. I have a 3D cone beam which allows me to see the position of roots and nerves and am able to comfortably remove many wisdom teeth as well as broken roots and some impacted teeth as well. I have nitrous oxide available but do not use IV or oral sedation. Our patients will tell you that our bedside manner and gentle treatment make them happy that they decided to allow myself or Dr Vaughn to remove those bothersome teeth. We also provide immediate dentures. This involves making a denture and removing the teeth only when the denture is ready. No one really wants to spend any time with no teeth. This service makes it possible to have everything done in my office.

Extractions – Canton, MS

The main goal of dentistry is to preserve your natural teeth and keep them healthy for as long as possible. There are times, however, when the best course of action is to have a tooth extracted (removed). From a tooth damaged by decay to an impacted wisdom tooth, the reasons for extractions vary. Whatever the reasons, tooth extractions are a routine procedure when performed by an experienced dentist.

The complexity of an extraction is determined by the location of the tooth and the condition of the roots, which are assessed via x-ray. If you are healthy enough for the procedure, a local anesthetic will be used to numb the tooth and surrounding areas. With careful manipulation of the tooth, the roots can be freed from the ligaments that connect it to the bone. For more complex extractions – such as impacted wisdom teeth – an intravenous anesthetic may be necessary. Be sure to let your dentist know if you are prone to anxiety or are extremely sensitive to pain.

Reasons for Extracting a Tooth

As mentioned above, there are many reasons to extract a tooth. Some of these include:

• Trauma or Disease – If you have a damaged tooth, our first priority is to save it. When a crown or root canal treatment are insufficient, we may recommend an extraction. A strong, natural looking dental implant can replace the extracted tooth and allow you to eat and speak as usual.
• Orthodontics – When there are too many teeth for the size of the dental arches, it may be necessary to create space with extractions. Doing so will allow your dentist to use orthodontics to properly align the remaining teeth.
• Wisdom Teeth – The removal of wisdom teeth is almost a rite-of-passage. When wisdom teeth are not removed early enough, however, they can cause damage to the neighboring teeth, bone, gum tissue, nerves, and blood vessels. It is best to remove wisdom teeth before their roots are fully formed and they can cause more complex dental problems.
• Baby Teeth – If a baby tooth is misaligned or out of sequence, the permanent tooth underneath may not erupt normally. When this occurs, your dentist may suggest removing the baby tooth to prevent the need for orthodontics later in life.

What to Expect After an Extraction

After your tooth is extracted, the socket will be covered with gauze to control bleeding. Mild to moderate discomfort is normal and can be controlled by taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen. Ice packs and a soft-food diet may also help you feel more comfortable as you heal over the next few days.

To learn more about extractions, contact Dental Solutions of Mississippi to schedule a consultation.