We are thrilled to announce the immediate availability of our secure telehealth video service! We now offer fully HIPAA-compliant video conferencing for our patients and friends that is:
Our new video chat service is completely safe and secure, fully protects the privacy of the patient, and works on Android and iOS, on PCs and Macs! The software is fully vetted and tested so that our patients and friends can rest assured that their protected health information will remain private and secure. All you need to have is a computer, tablet or smartphone with Web Cam and audio capabilities and a good internet connection! We are now scheduling appointments for new and established patients to video chat directly with the dentist to review your existing treatment plans and/or answer any of your dental need questions. Patients may schedule video chat appointments by calling our office and speaking with our staff available during business hours Monday through Friday.
Sincerely, W. Roger Long, DDS, PA Bethany T. Wierzbicki, DMD, MBA
While your Treasure Coast dentist will take extra precautions to preserve your healthy, natural teeth, there are times when a tooth extraction is necessary. Even though pulling a tooth isn’t easy, there are some circumstances where doing nothing about a damaged tooth could result in more significant oral health issues.
Facts About Tooth Extraction
What Is a Tooth Extraction Procedure?
A dental procedure called a tooth extraction involves removing a tooth from its socket or alveolus. Although conventional dentists and periodontists can often carry out this surgery, oral surgeons specialize in more complex cases.
Common Reasons for Tooth Extractions
Tooth extractions are typically recommended when a tooth is beyond repair or poses a risk to surrounding teeth and gums.
Significant Tooth Decay
The accumulation of plaque and tartar on the surface of teeth causes tooth decay. Plaque and tartar buildup may result in an infection if the disease is severe enough to compromise the tooth enamel. To stop bone loss and other oral health problems, your oral surgeon may need to extract the painful tooth and replace it with a dental implant or another dental restoration.
Wisdom Tooth Removal
The erupting wisdom teeth will hurt in the back of your jaw if there isn’t enough room in your mouth for it to do so since it will press against the adjacent molar. In addition, your other teeth will shift out of place as the impacted wisdom tooth competes for space. Crooked teeth are more likely to get cavities, dental decay, and infections because they are more difficult to keep clean.
Periodontal or Gum Disease
Plaque and tartar will accumulate on teeth without routine brushing, flossing, and professional dental cleanings, causing gum irritation and disease. It’s important to note that patients may experience different gum issues that seriously influence the bone that supports the teeth. Once the bone has lost too much density, the oral surgeon may advise tooth extraction in favor of a bridge or dental implant to protect the remaining teeth.
Infection or Crowding
In some cases, infection deep within the tooth or overcrowding in the mouth can make extraction necessary. Removing a tooth can create space and improve alignment, especially before orthodontic treatment.
What to Expect During the Procedure
Knowing what happens during a tooth extraction can help reduce anxiety and prepare you for the process.
Numbing the area with local anesthesia
Gently loosening the tooth
Removing the tooth safely
Providing aftercare instructions
Recovery and Aftercare
Proper care after extraction is essential for healing. Patients should follow their dentist’s advice, avoid hard foods, and keep the area clean to prevent complications like dry socket.
FAQ About Tooth Extractions
When Is It Necessary to Extract a Tooth?
Sometimes, tooth extraction is unavoidable when your teeth are severely damaged because of cavities and tooth decay. Other instances include wisdom tooth removal, where the tooth’s existence could harm the surrounding teeth and gums. Although tooth extraction can help relieve the pain that your damaged or problematic tooth is causing, removing it will leave a permanent gap in your mouth.
How to Avoid Getting a Tooth Pulled
While some situations are impossible to avoid, such as wisdom tooth removal, others can be avoided with routine oral care. To treat bacteria that home care products can’t reach, patients should visit their dentist’s office at least twice a year for cleanings. Dental cleanings will help keep your teeth and mouth healthy by removing plaque and bacteria stuck in your mouth.
What Happens After an Extraction?
After your post-tooth extraction care is over, you’ll need to replace your missing tooth so that your teeth will not move out of place. While this problem is common among patients with missing teeth, other issues could develop. Here are some of the most common problems a missing tooth can produce:
