Tooth Extraction in Braintree, MA
Schedule Your Appointment Today!
Dental extractions are performed for a variety of reasons including tooth decay, injury, and for orthodontic treatment. It is extremely important that tooth extraction be done in as atraumatic a means as possible to help preserve and protect the adjacent teeth and bone of the socket. Extractions are a relatively common procedure in most dental offices. The difficulty of the procedure varies depending on the case and the patient, however anesthesia is used to numb the area and prevent pain during the procedure.
Types of Extractions
There are two forms of extraction: simple and surgical extractions.
Simple extractions are performed on teeth that can be seen in the mouth. They are removed due to decay or injury and are usually performed under a local anesthetic. During this procedure the gum will be loosened from the tooth and small instruments will gradually separate the tooth from the bone. After the tooth is loosened it can be removed with a forceps. The tooth socket frequently is restored with a bone graft to preserve its shape and form.
Surgical extractions are performed on teeth that have broken off at the gum line or that have not yet erupted (ie: wisdom teeth). Surgical extractions are also used to divide large teeth into small parts that can be more easily loosened and removed. This is a much gentler and less traumatic way to remove a tooth and preserve the bone of the socket. Socket grafts are frequently part of this treatment as well. To remove the tooth, Dr. Mone will have to lift the gum from the tooth, which allows access to the area. This is necessary so that he can see the tooth that needs to be removed. Surgical extractions are usually done with local anesthesia and oral sedation.
Reasons for Tooth Extraction
The most common reason for removal of a tooth is severe decay or breakage of a tooth. However, teeth may also be removed because of:
- Severe tooth decay or infection
- Extra teeth that are blocking other teeth from growing in
- Severe gum disease
- To make room for orthodontic treatment
- The tooth can not be restored endodontically
- Fractured teeth
- To make room for a dental prosthesis (i.e.: bridge or denture)
- Cosmetic reasons
Regardless of the reasons a tooth must be pulled, extraction is usually reserved only for cases in which no other treatment option will cure the infection or problem.
Dr. Thomas Mone, located in Braintree, MA, is a periodontist who serves patients from Boston, MA, Quincy, MA, and Miton, MA. We are looking forward to welcoming you to our office and encourage you to schedule your appointment today!