Teeth Extraction

 

The need for removal of a tooth may arise for a number of reasons:

 

• Teeth that are broken, roots that are fractured, and tooth decay that is severe and is beyond repair.
• Cost of repair exceeds replacement with a bridge or implant
• Extensive bone loss resulting in tooth mobility
• Blocking the eruption of another tooth
• Infections that do not completely resolve

 

Tooth Removal for Braces

 

Orthodontic braces often requires extraction of one or several teeth to make room for teeth that are being aligned. Traditionally premolar teeth are commonly extracted to increase spacing for braces.

 

 

Dental Emergency Tooth Extraction

 

Having a tooth extraction can be a frightening thought for many, however at our office we offer several options in order to make your dental extraction comfortable.

• Nitrous Oxide Sedation is a great option to decrease anxiety associated with extraction of teeth.
• IV sedation anesthesia is another option if you wish to be sedated. Most dental extractions can be done with local anesthesia (Novocaine) and nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and patients are able to return to work shortly after.

 

Bone Grafting

 

When a tooth is lost several complications may arise long term. The most common problem associated with tooth loss is loss of jaw bone. When a tooth is removed the jaw bone where once a tooth was starts to resorb and the loss of bone slowly increases over time. The  loss of bone over time results in bone that is poor quality and when time arises to place an implant a bone graft is needed to rejuvenate the bone lost. It is important to place bone graft following a tooth extraction to preserve the bone for future dental implant surgery and slow the bone loss process.

 

Types Of Graft

• Artificial Collagen is used to preserve and stimulate bone growth in a tooth socket.
• Cadaver Bone is commonly used to stimulate growth of bone in the jaw and add density to the area needing augmentation. This type of bone is processed at tissue banks to be free from infectious diseases and is certified to be used in dental procedures.
• Rib and Jaw Tuberosity can be used as donor bone from patient's own tissues for those patients that are concerned about using cadaver bone due to religion or personal reasons.

 

Wisdom Teeth Extraction

 

Most adults develop 32 teeth in the jaw bone by 18 years of age, however there is usually enough space to hold 28 teeth in mouths of most adult patients. Because of the lack of space wisdom teeth being the last teeth to erupt often become impacted and do not erupt. The impaction of wisdom teeth can cause pain and discomfort and localized infections known as Pericoronitis.

 

Should wisdom teeth be removed?

 

Most wisdom teeth are removed as a preventive measure, however if they are aligned ideally and are easy to clean there may be no need for them to be removed. Generally wisdom teeth do not align well and it is often very difficult for patient to clean around the tooth which necessitates the extraction of the wisdom teeth. Sometimes wisdom teeth do not completely erupt or grow sideways, or they are partially exposed. This condition is called a impaction and when this happens extractions are needed to prevent damage to the bone or adjacent teeth.

 

Dental Crown Lengthening

 

 

If you suffer from a gummy smile, there is a procedure available known as crown lengthening. With this condition teeth usually appear short and more of the gum is visible when smiling. The teeth are usually in proper proportions but are instead covered with toot much gum. In order to correct this condition dental anesthesia is first administered and then excess gum and bone is removed and reshaped to expose more of the natural tooth. This procedure may be an option for a single tooth or the entire gum line to obtain a natural smile. Dental lasers can be used to complete this procedure painlessly.

 

Crown lengthening is a valuable treatment option in cosmetic dentistry that can improve esthetics and function of the teeth. Please contact our office if you have further question regarding this procedure.