If you have a tooth that's severely infected or damaged, your dentist may recommend a tooth extraction. While it sounds intimidating, this process is easy and will protect your mouth from further damage. Below are answers to a few common questions, so you can make the healthiest decisions for your mouth.

Tooth Extractions FAQ

Why do you suggest a tooth extraction?

Each tooth affects all the ones around it. A wisdom tooth that is crooked and pushing the other teeth can misalign your entire bite. A tooth that's decayed or infected can encourage decay in nearby teeth. It will also be painful and can break. If procedures like a root canal aren’t enough to save the tooth, extraction is the recommended treatment.

How does it work?

During a tooth extraction, your dentist will carefully loosen the tooth from the surrounding bone and gum tissue. Then they'll assess its size, shape, and placement. If the tooth is small and easy to remove, the dentist will take it out in one piece; otherwise, they'll cut it into smaller pieces to make removal easier.

Will it hurt?

Before your procedure, your dentist will thoroughly numb the tooth and the area around it. Modern dental anesthetic is more effective and precise than ever before, so you likely won't feel the procedure. Your dentist may also offer you sedation options if you have anxiety. After the procedure, there will be discomfort while healing, but you can usually manage this with over-the-counter medication.

How can you restore the smile afterward?

There are several types of dental prosthetics that replace a missing tooth. A dental bridge or a partial denture are common choices. You can also get a dental implant, which is one of the most advanced dental treatments available. It replaces the tooth with a crown that looks and feels like a real one.

For restorative treatment including tooth extractions and replacement in Dayton, OH, choose Patrick T. Hunter, DDS. Serving Montgomery County for over 14 years, he offers the latest technology, including digital 3D imaging. Call (937) 890-8957 to make an appointment or visit the website today.