While tooth extractions may be a source of concern for most patients, they are a very common dental procedure and often necessary to maintain oral health. If you require a tooth extraction, you can trust the expertise of the Fennell, Yoxthimer, and Associates DDS team.
What is a Tooth Extraction?
A tooth extraction is a common dental procedure in which a tooth is removed from the mouth. This may be either a visible tooth which is damaged or contributing to crowding or an impacted tooth which is causing complication.
What is a Tooth Extraction Like?
There are two common methods to extract teeth: simple and surgical. Your dentist will decide between the two methods depending on whether the tooth is visible or impacted.
A simple extraction is performed under local anesthetic, meaning that the area around the tooth is numbed. You will likely feel pressure through the procedure, but should not experience any pain. Your dentist will then use a tool called an elevator to loosen the tooth before removing it with forceps.
Surgical extraction can be performed under local and intravenous anesthesia or, depending on other medical conditions, general anesthesia. During the procedure, your dentist will make a small incision in the gum to expose the impacted tooth. In some cases, it may be necessary to remove some bone or cut the tooth in order to extract it. When the tooth has been removed, the incisions may then be closed using stitches that will dissolve.
Do I Need a Tooth Extraction?
There are many reasons why a patient may need a tooth extraction. Removing wisdom teeth is one of the most common, but the procedure may also be necessary is the teeth have excessively decayed, has become infected, or the teeth are too crowded. In some cases, teeth are extracted before the patient has braces in order to allow the remaining teeth to properly shift into place. Some patients may also require tooth extraction before another medical procedure, such as chemotherapy, to maintain there oral health.
Schedule an Appointment
If you suspect you may need a tooth extracted, call Fennell, Yoxthimer, and Associates, DDS at (513) 631-6600 to schedule an appointment at our Cincinnati, Ohio office. You may also request an appointment online by filling out this form.