If your dentist has told you that one of your teeth needs to be removed, you may have a lot of questions. You may wonder why it needs to be taken out instead of repaired, how long the procedure will take, and what comes after the treatments. In today’s blog, your team at Elm Creek Dental in Maple Grove, MN, is here to answer some of these questions so you can feel confident going into your procedure.
Common Reasons For Removals
Your dentist may recommend that a tooth is removed for several reasons. In some cases, this can be necessary to prevent damage to your other teeth. For instance, wisdom teeth are often removed because they can become impacted when erupting since there is not enough room for them. In other cases, an extraction is recommended if your tooth is severely damaged. Treatments like fillings or root canals may be able to treat a decayed structure, but if it is severely infected your dentist may not be able to restore it. Additionally, a severely fractured tooth may be removed to improve your comfort and decrease the risk of an infection. If your dentist believes that one of your pearly whites needs to be removed, they will explain the reason and discuss the optimal timeline for the treatment.
Preparing For Your Treatment
Before your procedure, your dentist may give you specific pre-operation instructions. This can include wearing something comfortable to the treatment and having a friend or family member available to drive you home. When you come in for the procedure, local anesthetic may be used to help numb the area. We may offer sedation for patients who experience anxiety for dental procedures. Your dentist will then gently open up the area and remove the structure. The space is then cleaned and sutured, and gauze is added to keep the space clean. A simple removal may take under an hour to complete.
Options For Replacing Your Tooth
If you have had your wisdom teeth removed or another tooth was taken out to make space for orthodontic care, you may not need to replace these structures. However, a tooth that was extracted due to severe damage may need to be replaced with options such as a bridge or implant to protect your smile. A dental bridge may be used if you need to replace a few teeth in the same row. Dental implants, on the other hand, may be recommended to provide stability to your jawbone. Each prosthetic option offers different benefits and may not be suitable for a patient. Your dentist can go over your options with you and determine which one may be the best for your needs.
Talk To Our Team To Learn More
Our team is here to restore your smile after damage. To learn more about extractions or other treatments, call Elm Creek Dental in Maple Grove, MN, today at 763-416-0606.