14
Jun
Find Out About Surgical Removal of Teeth
It’s true what they say. A bad apple can spoil the bunch. A bad tooth can have a detrimental impact on the overall health of your smile and possibly your overall health in general. Ideally, treating and saving the natural tooth when possible is always best.
However, there are circumstances in which it’s impractical, and the lousy tooth has to go. At Kitty Hawk Dental Care in Livermore, California, Dr. Kimberly King and her team can expertly remove your bad tooth while avoiding the painful and costly complications of tooth extraction.
Reasons Why You May Need a Tooth Extracted
Here are a few reasons why it may be necessary to extract a bad tooth. You may have:
- Deep and extensive infection or decay of the tooth that’s irreparable
- A tooth that can’t be saved via root canal therapy
- One or more teeth that are causing overcrowding
- One or more impacted teeth
- To prepare the mouth for orthodontia or dentures
- Damaged or loose teeth caused by periodontal disease
What is the Difference Between Simple and Surgical Extractions?
There are two types of tooth extractions in dentistry: surgical and straightforward. Surgical extractions are performed when a tooth is impacted or located below the gum line, often seen with wisdom teeth. This procedure requires an incision in the gum to access the tooth, which can be more invasive and require a more extended healing period.
On the other hand, simple extractions are performed when a tooth is above the gum line and easily accessible. These extractions are quicker to perform and typically require only a few minutes once the patient is sedated and anesthetized. Simple extractions also tend to heal faster than surgical extractions.
If you require a tooth extraction, your dentist will assess the situation and determine the most appropriate method. It is important to follow post-operative instructions to ensure a smooth and speedy recovery.
What Are My Tooth Replacement Options?
Following a tooth extraction, patients must undergo restorative dentistry to replace the missing tooth. This is because extracted teeth can create gaps that can cause the surrounding teeth to shift out of alignment within the dental arch. At Kitty Hawk Dental Care, we offer a range of tooth replacement options to address this issue, including complete dentures, partial dentures, dental bridges, implant-retained dentures, and dental implants.
Dental implants are the most realistic and stable restoration. However, other restorations, such as dentures and bridges, might be more suitable for some patients with gum disease and jawbone tissue loss.
During a consultation and examination with our experienced team, we can assist you in selecting the most suitable tooth replacement option for your specific needs. We aim to help you restore dental health and maintain a beautiful, functional smile.
Safe, Effective, and Efficient Dental Extractions
While getting a tooth extracted is never a pleasant experience, here at Kitty Hawk Dental, we can make the process as comfortable as possible while ensuring your safety and offering excellent restoration options.
Call us today at (925) 371-8880 to schedule an appointment with Dr. King. You can also visit our office at 53 Wright Brothers Ave, Suite C, Livermore, CA 94551.