When you suffer from a damaged tooth or severe tooth infection, your Manhattan Beach dentist’s goal is to save the tooth whenever possible and keep tooth extraction as a last resort. Unfortunately, when a tooth is so compromised that it cannot be repaired, the only way to preserve your oral health and save the rest of your teeth from suffering is to perform an extraction. At Beachside Smiles, Dr. Don Mungcal and his team are ready to help and deliver the most appropriate care for your dental emergency.
Reasons You Might Need a Tooth Extraction
There are many restorative dentistry procedures that can correct a damaged or infected tooth, such as a tooth-colored filling, root canal therapy, or porcelain crown. When decay, disease, or deterioration cannot be thoroughly addressed without causing additional complications, though, a tooth extraction may be the only choice. It is, in some cases, the most sensible solution that offers the most immediate relief for problems like:
- Abscess
- Tooth infection
- Severe tooth decay
- Advanced gum disease
- Bone fracture
- Broken tooth root
Dental Restorations for an Extracted Tooth
Don’t despair if you do need a tooth extraction. There are multiple ways to replace the tooth that is lost so you don’t have a hole in your smile or a compromised area of your mouth. The most common restorations for a missing tooth are:
- Dental implants: One dental implant can take the place of a missing tooth, restoring both the roots and crown. It’s essential to replace all missing teeth, even if it’s a hard-to-see molar, to keep your oral health intact.
- Dental bridge: To close the gap left by a tooth extraction, a dental bridge can be clasped to either side of the space and the hole filled with a prosthetic tooth.
- Implant-supported dentures: Multiple missing teeth on the top or bottom of the mouth can be replaced with All-On-4 dental implant prosthetics use dental implants and dentures to take the place of missing teeth without the need for adhesives.
- Denture or partial denture: Some patients prefer the idea of a modern denture, a partial that fills one area of their mouth or a full denture that replaces all the teeth on the top arch.
A tooth extraction is not the end of the world. Both the appearance and functionality of your smile can be restored with the right dental restoration, a choice that depends on where the missing tooth is located, budget, and preferences. While you will need patience to allow for healing and dental work to be done, eventually you will have a complete smile again that is healthier and stronger.
The Tooth Extraction Process
A tooth extraction is a careful step-by-step procedure. It’s not simply a pair of pliers that yank out the tooth. Every tooth in your mouth has a complete root system and even if that tooth is compromised, it doesn’t mean it’s weak in the socket. Every bit of crown and root must be removed and the area cleaned thoroughly. Tooth extraction is a meticulous process that goes something like this:
- Prep: Numbing agent is applied and, if necessary, oral sedation is administered. Some pressure may be felt regardless of these efforts.
- Removal: The tooth is moved around in its socket until it separates from the ligament completely.
- Cleansing: Remaining infected tissue and particles are removed before the socket is thoroughly washed and the area inspected for thoroughness.
- Closing: The tooth extraction site is closed and prepared for future dental restorations once healing is complete.
Emergency Dental Care in Manhattan Beach
If you have a damaged tooth or acute pain in your mouth, contact your Manhattan Beach dentist at Beachside Smiles right away so you can be seen for an emergency dental appointment. Feel better, find out if you need a tooth extraction, and take care of your oral health and overall well-being.
