Dental Extractions (also referred to as tooth extractions, exodontia) is the removal of a tooth from its socket in the bone. Having teeth pulled in adulthood is sometimes necessary. Dr. Beeram will make every attempt to save a tooth that has been broken or damaged by decay, with a filling, crown or other treatment. Extractions are performed for a wide variety of reasons, but most commonly to remove teeth with too much damage, from trauma or decay, for the tooth to be repaired. A very loose tooth also will require extraction if it cannot be saved, even with bone replacement surgery (bone graft).
You’ve heard the saying, “It’s like pulling teeth“…sometimes they can be difficult, particularly for a wisdom tooth extraction. There are two types of extractions: a simple extraction, where the dentist loosens the tooth with an instrument called an elevator to remove the tooth, or surgical extraction, a more complex procedure, which is used if a tooth may have broken off at the gum line or has not, erupted in the mouth. Both procedures will require some form of anesthesia.
If you need an extraction, Dr. Beeram will take an X-ray of the area to plan the best way to remove the tooth/teeth. Be sure to provide your full medical and dental history and a list of all medications you take. This should include prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins and supplements. Dr. Beeram then will discuss with you the different methods of anesthesia and which would be best for your procedure. Before having a tooth extraction, the area around the tooth will be numbed so that you feel comfortable. Sometimes you may need a couple of stitches. Dr. Beeram will advise you about a post extraction regimen to follow to ensure proper healing. In most cases a small amount of bleeding is normal. Your mouth will slowly fill in the socket through the formation of a blood clot.