When getting a tooth extraction in Richmond, VA, patients want to know they’re receiving the best care from their dentist. If you need a tooth extracted, you should understand the process, costs, and other factors involved.
Read on to learn more about dental extractions and how to prepare for them.
What’s A Tooth Extraction?
At its most basic level, a tooth extraction removes a tooth from its socket. There are a few reasons why a dentist may need to extract a tooth:
- Severe Tooth Decay: Traditional treatments, such as fillings, are often not viable when a tooth has become severely damaged and decayed.
- Impacted Tooth: A wisdom tooth, for example, requires surgical removal when trapped beneath the gums because it can cause cavities, gum disease, infection, etc.
- Orthodontic Treatment: Some may need a tooth extraction to make space in the mouth to straighten other teeth or make room for emerging teeth.
- Malpositioned Teeth: When a tooth isn’t in alignment with its neighbors, it can be challenging to clean and maintain oral hygiene. An extraction can help alleviate this issue.
- Severe Periodontal Disease: An extraction may be necessary when gums become severely infected due to bacteria.
- Dental Infections: When a tooth is infected, it may require removal to control the infection.
- Cysts: If a cyst forms around a tooth and damages neighboring teeth or bone, an extraction can help prevent injury.
- Trauma: If a tooth is cracked or broken due to trauma, call our team at Northside Dental Co to ask whether you need an emergency tooth extraction in Richmond, VA.
It’s important to note that dentists take many factors into consideration before deciding to extract a tooth.
If you’re in need of a tooth extraction, it’s always best to check with your doctor and insurance carrier first to determine your options before moving forward. Many dental offices offer payment or membership savings plans for those with limited financial resources, such as no insurance.
Do General Dentists Do Extractions?
In general, most trained dentists can perform extractions.
General dentists often administer a local anesthetic to numb the area before beginning the procedure. They may use special tools to remove the tooth from its socket. In some cases, additional procedures may need to occur for the extraction to go smoothly. These could include bone grafting or soft tissue removal.
Do general dentists do extractions in all instances? It depends on the situation. Sometimes, a dentist may recommend that you visit an oral surgeon for a more complex extraction procedure. Unfortunately, a dentist cannot always assess if you’ll need to be seen by an oral surgeon prior to an exam or x-rays.
Alternatives To Tooth Extractions
In some cases, a general dentist may not be able to extract a tooth due to the complexity of the procedure. In these cases, some alternatives to a tooth extraction can be explored, such as a root canal or an apicoectomy.
Root Canal
A root canal is the most common alternative to tooth extraction. During a root canal procedure, the dentist will clean the infection from inside the tooth, pack it with filling material, and seal it off.
Apicoectomy
An apicoectomy may be recommended if an attempt at a root canal fails or if there’s damage to the bone surrounding a tooth. During this procedure, the dentist will remove the infected tissue in and around the tooth and any abscesses or cysts that have formed.
These alternatives have varying costs associated with them, so it’s important to discuss your options with your dentist to determine which one is best for you and your budget.
Need an Emergency Tooth Extraction in Richmond, VA? Call Northside Dental Co
Dental emergencies are frightening and require immediate action.
At Northside Dental Co, we’re experienced in performing tooth extractions and are committed to helping patients as soon as possible.
Our caring team of dental professionals will take the time to answer any questions you have. Before moving forward, we’ll help you navigate your options and understand the process so you feel comfortable with your treatment plan.
Ask About Dental Implants
Dental implants are designed to be a permanent solution for tooth loss.
The implant itself is a titanium post your dentist surgically places in your jawbone, filling the space left by your missing tooth. This post acts as the “root” of your new tooth. Finally, a natural-looking fake tooth (called a “crown”), is placed on top of the post, completing your smile.
Book an appointment online to learn more about getting a tooth extraction in Richmond, VA followed by a dental implant.
