Extraction:
A tooth extraction is a procedure where we remove a tooth that can’t be saved or is causing issues. There are several reasons why we might recommend an extraction, such as severe decay, advanced gum disease, infection, or when a tooth is impacted and can’t emerge properly, like with wisdom teeth.
The procedure itself is done under local anesthesia, so the area around the tooth will be numbed, and you shouldn’t feel any pain. Depending on the tooth, we either pull it out directly or, in some cases, we might need to cut it into smaller pieces for easier removal. If necessary, we might place a few stitches to help the gum heal.
After the extraction, you might experience some swelling or discomfort, which is normal and can usually be managed with pain relief and following aftercare instructions. It’s important to avoid things like smoking or drinking through straws right after to help with healing.
The goal of an extraction is often to prevent further damage to the surrounding teeth or to stop an infection from spreading. When necessary, we can also discuss options like dental implants or bridges to replace the extracted tooth.
Bone Graft:
If you have a tooth extracted with the intention of replacing the space with a dental implant, you will likely need a bone graft at the time of extraction. Dental bone grafting is a procedure used to rebuild or add bone to an area of the jaw where the bone has been lost. Dental implants rely on strong, dense bone to anchor them securely.
During the procedure, we take a small amount of bone grafting material and place it in empty space the extracted tooth was previously in. The bone graft will fuse with your natural bone over time, a process called “osseointegration.” This helps create a strong foundation for future dental work, like implants.
After the procedure, there might be some swelling or discomfort, but this is usually temporary. Depending on the complexity of the graft, healing can take a few months, and once the bone is strong enough, we can proceed with placing implants or other restorations.
Bone grafting is an essential part of ensuring that you have the right foundation for long-lasting, functional dental work, especially if you’re considering dental implants.