When Is Tooth Extraction Necessary?
There are many reasons a tooth may need to be extracted. If you are experiencing teeth crowding, an abscessed tooth, or the sudden onset of pain, you may need to have one or more teeth extracted. J. Eric Herrington, D.M.D., P.L.L.C., performs this outpatient procedure in Meridian, MS. Once your tooth extraction is complete, you may be a good candidate for a dental implant. Dr. Herrington has advanced training in surgical placement of dental implants, and can answer any questions regarding tooth extraction and restorative treatments to replace your extracted tooth.
Benefits of Tooth Extraction
Tooth extraction relieves teeth crowding and eliminates pain and infection, while paving the way for orthodontic or restorative treatments. Patients who undergo tooth extraction can benefit from:
- Improved oral health: A tooth often requires extraction when an abscess, advanced infection, or decay occurs. These issues can compromise the health of surrounding teeth and gum tissue. Removing a decaying tooth can prevent further damage to your smile.
- Candidacy for orthodontic treatments: The removal of an impacted or infected tooth can restore candidacy for traditional braces or Invisalign®. Teeth crowding is a common dental problem that complicates orthodontic procedures.
- Relief from pain: One early sign that a tooth may need to be extracted is pain. When a cavity reaches the sensitive bundle of nerves and veins in the tooth’s pulp, the infection will spread quickly. Most patients experience immediate relief once the compromised tooth is removed.
- Candidacy for restorative treatments: Once your jawbone and gum tissue have healed, you can gain candidacy for restorative treatments to replace your lost tooth. Dr. Herrington offers dental implants and All-on-4® implant options.
Do I Need a Tooth Extraction?
Most patients who are experiencing advanced dental decay or the sudden onset of pain in their mouth are possible candidates for tooth extraction. During your oral examination, Dr. Herrington will determine if you:
- Are experiencing advanced dental decay
- Are in severe pain caused by a compromised tooth
- Have swollen gums
- Are experiencing discomfort from a tooth abscess
- Have a cracked tooth
- Are seeking relief from injury to your tooth
- Have advanced gum tissue infection
Understanding the Procedure
Before your tooth is extracted, Dr. Herrington will apply a local anesthetic to ensure you do not feel pain during the procedure. Patients who are nervous about the tooth extraction process can request either oral conscious or IV sedation. Once you are comfortable, he will make a small incision in your gums, if needed, before using a special tool to gently loosen and remove your tooth.
If you are having one or more molars removed, Dr. Herrington may need to break the large teeth into small parts to prevent injury to the surrounding gum tissue. If you elect to undergo dental implant treatment to restore your lost tooth, a bone graft may need to be completed in the area vacated by your tooth. For certain patients, this step ensures there is adequate jawbone density to receive a dental implant in the future.
An abscess, advanced infection, or decay can compromise the health of surrounding teeth and gum tissue. Removing a decaying tooth can prevent further damage to your smile.
The final steps involve suturing any incisions that were made and placing gauze over the surgical site to reduce bleeding. Patients are encouraged to rest for the remainder of the day while avoiding strenuous activities for at least one week.
Contact Our Practice Today
If you are experiencing pain from one of your teeth or your jawbone area, you should seek dental or medical help immediately. An untreated abscess can spread quickly into the underlying jawbone tissue, placing your oral health at risk. To schedule your tooth extraction, contact our office online or call (601) 482-6938. If you have concerns over affordability, our practice accepts CareCredit® financing.