Although we always strive to preserve your natural teeth when possible, extractions can sometimes be the best option to protect the surrounding teeth from damage. A deeply infected or severely damaged tooth can cause significant harm to your oral health and extractions can help prevent this from occurring. Our Austin dentist performs gentle extractions to help preserve the health of your smile!
Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that erupt between the ages of 15 to 25. While some wisdom teeth come in without any issues, it’s not uncommon for them to cause some trouble. If that’s the case, we can perform gentle wisdom tooth removal to restore your oral health and protect your existing teeth.
Reasons for Wisdom Teeth Removal
While reasons for wisdom teeth removal vary on a case-by-case basis. Here are some of the most common issues that can arise when wisdom teeth erupt. Wisdom teeth may need to be removed if they are:
- Changing Bite Alignment
- Crowding Existing Teeth
- Coming in at an Angle
- Putting Pressure on Existing Teeth
Not all wisdom teeth are created equal. While we will try our best to take care of you in-house, some cases will need to be referred to an oral surgeon. In that instance, Choice Austin Dental will make sure that you are connected with an expert oral surgeon in the area.
Bone Grafts
Bone grafts are used to help patients regain lost bone density in their jaws. One of the most common contributing factors to deterioration of the jawbone is tooth loss. Teeth stimulate the jawbone which in turn helps it stay strong. When those teeth are gone, the jawbone is no longer stimulated resulting in a decrease in its density. Bone grafting surgery is often required for patients that have been missing teeth for quite some time and want to get dental implants to fill in the gaps.
What Happens During an Extraction?
Before starting the procedure, Choice Austin Dental will thoroughly numb the area around the tooth to ensure that you won’t feel any discomfort during the process. Depending on the state of the tooth, we may have to make an incision in the gums to access the tooth if it’s impacted. Then, we use advanced tools to gently remove the tooth from its socket.
The Extraction Recovery Process
After your tooth extraction, we’ll send you home with detailed aftercare instructions to ensure that you have a smooth recovery. We’ll map out how to clean and rinse the area with warm salt water. The instructions will also contain a list of dietary restrictions for the first week following your procedure. For the most part, patients should stick to soft, easy-to-eat foods and avoid the use of straws as they can cause dry socket. If you have any questions or concerns throughout your recovery process, our team is always on standby to help you in any way that we can!
Tooth Replacement After Extractions
Missing teeth can make your smile incomplete. However, extracted teeth can be replaced with dental implants or other tooth restorations to maintain the health and appearance of your smile. Our Austin dentist will go over the best treatment plan for your smile if an extraction is needed!
If you believe that you may be in need of a tooth extraction in Austin, TX, please call our office today!
