There are times when your dentist cannot save your tooth. It simply isn’t possible. Whether the result of trauma, decay, or disease, tooth extraction may be the only viable option. At Lovett Dental Piney Point, we understand that no one wants to lose permanent teeth. Unfortunately, we know there are times when no other options are available. Fortunately, we offer many options available to help restore or replace lost teeth once the tooth removal has been taken care of.
The key is to manage teeth extractions in a safe, effective manner, and that promotes a healthy smile in the aftermath. We will work with you to identify a treatment option that works with your needs and helps to maintain the health of your smile before and after your tooth extraction.
Why Do People Need Tooth Extractions?
People require teeth extractions for many different reasons. Hockey players, for instance, often need them because
they took a flying puck (or fist depending on the game) to the face. Teenagers and young adults may need them to make room for other teeth or to prevent overcrowding. Younger teens may require tooth removal in preparation for orthodontic treatments. Sometimes they are necessary because a tooth has become too diseased or decayed to save and must be removed to protect surrounding teeth.
The why of tooth extraction isn’t nearly as important as how. It isn’t always a simple matter to pull a permanent tooth. Your dentist will rely on x-rays and examinations to help determine if the tooth will require surgical removal. More importantly, your dentist has the tools and techniques to ensure your tooth removal is as painless as possible.
Whether you have to go through a surgical tooth extraction or your dentist can pull your tooth on the spot, most patients are all too happy to take advantage of things like anesthesia to eliminate the pain and maximize your comfort.
A simple extraction can be accomplished in a matter of minutes. The longest part will be waiting for the area around your tooth to become comfortably numb. Surgical extractions require a little more time. Once your dentist determines the type of extraction required, you can better gauge the amount of time involved in the process.
What Happens After a Tooth Extraction?
As difficult as a tooth extraction can be emotional to deal with, there are options available we can use to help restore your smile once the extraction is complete. Understanding your options can help you feel more confident about your decision to extract your tooth (or teeth). These are a few of the options we offer that can help you get your smile back after tooth extraction:
- Dental bridges.
- Removable dentures or partial dentures.
- Implant-supported dentures or partial dentures.
- Dental implants.
Because Lovett Dental Piney Point offers a wide range of services, we can help you with all these dental needs once your tooth has been extracted. We do encourage our patients to take action promptly as bone loss begins right away. It doesn’t take long for massive damage to the bone in your ridge to lose density and height. When bone loss occurs, it can complicate your ability to use dental implants as a treatment option. It may require bone grafting or a ridge augmentation, delaying the implants by many months.
Reach Out to Lovett Dental Piney Point Village
Our team knows how sensitive the idea of tooth extraction can be. We will work with you to make the process as painless, figuratively, and literally as possible while protecting the beauty and health of your smile for many years to come. Call Lovett Dental Piney Point today at 832-242-2030 to learn more about how we can help you show your best smile to the world.