There are a number of reasons for a tooth extraction. Wisdom teeth removal is one of the most common types of tooth extractions; other reasons might include teeth that are broken, not properly aligned, severely damaged, or affected by decay or disease.
Dr. Neeraj Khanna is a highly trained restorative and cosmetic dentist and will recommend natural-looking replacement options for the missing tooth.
Once a tooth is lost, the bone begins to deteriorate, and the gum is exposed to more bacteria, increasing the risk for gum disease. The remaining teeth will also start to shift and move once a tooth is extracted, causing potential problems with the fit of the bite and TMJ function. For this reason, it is important to replace the missing tooth as soon as possible either with a dental bridge, dental implant or other restoration.
What to Expect
The procedure does not take long. A general anesthetic will be used to numb the area where the tooth needs to be removed. The anesthesia helps prevent pain. If you have an impacted tooth, the gum and bone tissue that covers the tooth will need to be cut.
Forceps may be used to loosen the tooth for an extraction — a blood clot forms in the socket where the tooth has been pulled. Normally, the bleeding socket is padded with gauze, and you must bite down on it to stop the bleeding. Depending on the size of the wound, you may need stitches to the socket to close the gum edges over the extraction site.
Before undergoing a tooth extraction, you must inform Dr. Khanna of your medical history. Having ongoing health issues can lead to further health risks. You should also alert them of all prescribed medications and/or supplements. Some health issues that may put you further risk include:
- Heart disease
- Liver disease
- Impaired immune system
- HIV or AIDS
- Artificial Joints
Schedule an appointment for a consultation
The team at Khanna Dentistry are committed to helping patients achieve and maintain good oral hygiene and health. Don’t wait until you are in severe pain to schedule a visit. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.