TOOTH EXTRACTIONS
WOODLAND HILLS, CA
There are many reasons that a tooth extraction is found to be necessary. Removing teeth is a serious matter that we do not take lightly, if possible, it is always best to retain your natural teeth. Working with our team at Woodland Hills Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, we can evaluate your situation and make recommendations for you which may include the removal of a tooth.
The extraction of a tooth can make a huge impact on your oral health. By removing a single tooth, the patient can experience problems in their chewing function, problems in how the jaw joint functions, and the shifting of neighboring teeth, which can then have a major impact on your dental health. To avoid these complications, in most cases, our team of surgeons, Dr. Robert G. Hale or Dr. James P. Jensvold will discuss alternatives to extractions as well as options for the replacement of the extracted tooth.
WHY ARE TEETH EXTRACTED?
Teeth may need to be extracted for some reasons, generally to promote the health of the mouth. Extraction may be necessary if:
- Severe Decay: A severely decayed tooth is bad for your oral health. It is a source of bacteria that can damage your gums and bone. If the tooth can have the decay removed and then have a crown placed over it, this would be ideal, but in some cases, the decayed tooth is beyond repair. If a large enough portion of the tooth is decayed, then there is nothing for the crown to be attached to, and the tooth needs to be removed.
- Fractured: If a tooth is partially fractured, and there is enough tooth structure to place a crown, this is ideal. If so much of the tooth structure is broken that there is not enough to attach a crown to, the tooth needs to be removed.
- Advanced Periodontal Disease: A patient suffering from advanced gum disease, or periodontal disease may no longer have the necessary bone or gum tissue remaining to support their teeth.
- Impacted Teeth: Impacted teeth can be problematic. Whether they are twisted, or pushing neighboring teeth out of alignment, or positioned to allow bacteria to slip between the tooth and gums, they may need to be removed for your oral health.
- Poorly Positioned: From overcrowding to a bad bite, your orthodontist may request the removal of teeth to assist you in gaining a better bite. The difference with an orthodontist directed extraction is that there is a plan for a controlled movement of your neighboring teeth.
THE EXTRACTION PROCESS
There are two types of extractions, non-surgical and surgical. Once we have ensured that the patient is comfortable by numbing the tooth, jawbone, and gum, the process can begin.
A non-surgical extraction can be performed with the tooth is fully extended and not severely damaged. One of our surgeons, Dr. Robert G. Hale or Dr. James P. Jensvold, will use a tool called an elevator to lift the tooth from the socket. The patient will experience high pressure, but should not feel pain due to the anesthesia. If the tooth breaks or is not able to lift easily, a non-surgical extraction can turn into a surgical extraction.
A surgical extraction means that some cuts to the gum tissue are necessary. Often the tooth requires removal by sectioning. Surgical extractions are a very common procedure. We will cut the tooth into sections removing each section one at a time.
Following your extraction, we will review care instructions with you. It is very important to be observant of possible bleeding problems or anything out of the ordinary such as running a fever. We urge you to contact our office or seek medical help if your healing process seems unusual.
For more information on dental extractions, contact our office, Woodland Hills Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery at: (818) 999-0900.