What is a Dental Extraction?
A dental extraction is the the removal of a tooth from its alveolar (bony) socket.
An extraction may be recommended for a variety of reasons. While we try our best to save natural teeth, instances may present where removing the tooth is the better treatment option. Dr. Loukaitis evaluate each case individually and recommend tooth extraction only when the tooth has lost hope in surviving a decent prognosis and/or if having an extraction allows the overall treatment plan to have the healthiest and best functional result.
Why you might need an extraction:
- Wisdom teeth removal due to pain, for prophylactic measure, or for orthodontic treatment
- Tooth is no longer restorable due to severe decay, fractured restoration or fractured tooth structure
- Remove source of infection
- Primary (baby) tooth that is not exfoliating on its own
Key Benefits:
- Remove infection from mouth
- Relieve painful symptoms stemming from the tooth
- Extracting wisdom teeth can avoid tooth crowding in the front of the mouth
- Primary (baby) tooth removal can allow for better timed eruption of permanent teeth and can avoid more extensive orthodontic movements in the future
Process:
Dr. approaches each extraction case comprehensively. Extractions may be simple or surgical.
- Simple: tooth is fully erupted and there is enough tooth structure to elevate the tooth and extract it with forceps.
- Surgical: tooth is soft or hard tissue impacted, meaning underneath soft tissue and/or bone and requires an incision to access the tooth in order to remove it from its socket.
At your first appointment, expect a full medical history to be taken to avoid any foreseen risks and complications from any medical condition(s) and/or medication(s). Pre-medication may or may not be necessary. Either that same day or at a second appointment, the tooth will be removed.
Depending on which tooth needs an extraction, the severity of the potential infection and the quality and quantity of bone engaging the tooth, one can expect a gradient of post-operative discomfort. Approximate expectation should be set to feel mild/moderate swelling and tender discomfort for a week following the extraction. Antibiotics and pain control medication will be prescribed as needed on an individual basis.
A follow-up visit will be necessary 7-10 days post-operation.
For more information about extractions, or to make an appointment, call our office at (202) 965-0333.
