Tooth extractions are routine dental procedures that remove decayed, damaged, or problematic teeth. Dentists usually try to preserve natural teeth, although sometimes an extraction is necessary.
Pinnacle Periodontics & Dental Implants offers teeth extractions in Matthews near Charlotte, NC, when it’s evident that other dental procedures cannot save a tooth. Depending on which teeth are removed, they may be replaced with a dental implant or oral prosthetic.
When Do We Recommend Tooth Extraction?
Our Matthews dentist, Dr. Eric D’Silva will only recommend a tooth extraction when a tooth has been badly damaged beyond repair. Pulling a tooth may be necessary if you have:
- A fractured tooth
- An impacted tooth
- Severe gum disease
- Severe tooth decay (cavities)
- Tooth luxation and other serious dental injuries.
Benefits of Pulling a Tooth
Getting your tooth pulled, especially when it’s damaged or decaying, offers several benefits:
- Tooth extraction helps reduce harmful bacteria that can damage your teeth and gums.
- Pulling a decayed or damaged tooth gives you the best chance for optimal oral health.
- Tooth extraction also helps ease dental pain almost immediately, especially if your tooth is infected or severely broken.
Procedure for a Tooth Extraction in Charlotte, NC
Our procedure for a tooth extraction treatment in Charlotte can be a simple or surgical extraction. However, the procedure depends on whether your teeth are impacted or visible.
For a simple extraction, Dr. D’Silva will inject local anesthesia to numb the area around your teeth. This will make you feel only slight pressure during the procedure rather than pain. He will use an elevator to loosen the tooth and forceps to remove it afterward.
For surgical extraction, you will likely receive both local and intravenous anesthesia, which will make you feel no pain and also become calm and relaxed. Depending on your medical conditions, you may receive general anesthesia, which will leave you unconscious during the procedure.
Afterward, our dentist will make a small incision in your gum to extract the tooth. He may also need to extract the bone around your teeth before removing it.
Did You Know?
Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is a substance taken from your blood that helps to promote healing. When applied after a tooth extraction, PRF helps to stimulate the healing process and acts as a bioactive band-aid.
Dr. D’Silva, our Matthews dentist, uses PRF to protect the surgical site from infection, enhance the healing process, and reduce pain after the procedure. Platelet-rich fibrin is a 100% natural treatment. It does not make use of any preservatives or additives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a tooth extraction?
There are several reasons why you could need a tooth extraction. The most common cause of tooth extractions is severe tooth decay and cavities. However, many patients also undergo extractions for impacted teeth – particularly wisdom teeth. Other causes for extraction include advanced periodontal disease, cracked teeth, and teeth that are severely malformed.
Although many circumstances that require extraction are unavoidable, some could be prevented with regular visits to the dentist for exams and cleanings. However, only your dentist can tell you if you need a tooth extraction. Schedule an appointment with our office today to determine if an extraction is needed.
What should I expect during my tooth extraction appointment?
If you and your dentist decide to extract one or more teeth, you will be scheduled to return for oral surgery at a later date. You will be given a local anesthetic to prevent pain during the procedure, and you may be prescribed medications to help manage pain in the hours following your extraction.
