You work hard to keep your teeth healthy and bright with your daily brushing and flossing habits, but sometimes life intervenes and you may need to have a tooth or a few teeth, removed. How can this happen? You can be involved in an accident, an injury, or even succumb to advanced tooth decay, where the teeth are damaged beyond saving even with a root canal.
If you have advanced gum disease (periodontitis), you may also have lost enough jaw bone material that you lose the support for your teeth. Without proper tooth support, you can be susceptible to infection or inflammation that spreads to other parts of your body. This can cause problems with stroke, heart disease, or even diabetes. If this happens, your dentist or periodontist may recommend tooth extraction of the affected areas.
The first thing that your periodontist will do is take x-rays to see the extent of the tooth damage. This will help see the extent of the damage, how much jaw bone material is there to work with, and seeing how a tooth is affecting the sinus cavity.
Usually the extraction process is done on an outpatient basis. If you are scheduled to extract multiple teeth that are deep in the bone, your oral surgeon will likely recommend sedation. This means you will want to have a friend or relative to drive you home after the extraction. While you are recovering you may also need some assistance.
You will also likely be prescribed painkillers and anti-inflammatory medication to help you during your recovery. You may receive a prescription for antibiotics if you have a weak immune system, or if you have a medical condition that makes you vulnerable to infection.
When your surgery sites are healed, you will be eligible for a dental implant or implanted bridge, or dentures.
We hope this information is helpful. If you have any questions regarding a possible tooth extraction, please call our office and let us know how we can help you 630-232-7400!