What are extractions?
Dental extractions are the removal of teeth from the socket of the alveolar bone that are damaged beyond repair due to decay, trauma or disease. There are two types of extractions: simple and surgical. Dr. Ellis will determine the appropriate type of extraction depending upon the affected tooth’s accessibility.
Benefits:
- Extractions are less expensive compared to other treatments that correct decayed or damaged teeth.
- Extractions promote oral health by ridding the mouth of issues that affect the patient’s oral hygiene
- Relieves any pain or discomfort a patient may be feeling.
What is the procedure of an extraction?
Simple extractions are easily done while the patient is awake but their mouth will be numb with a local anesthetic. Although the patient will be able to feel the movements, they will not be in any pain while Dr. Ellis simply removes the affected tooth.
Surgical extractions are extractions of teeth that cannot be easily removed due to placement of the tooth, or deep decay in the tissue. Dr. Ellis will temporarily push away gum tissue and remove the bone that is holding the decayed tooth in place with special burs. Stitches are used to close up the gum tissue into its normal positon.
After an extraction, the patient will need to know what they can do and what they shouldn’t do in order to help the healing process. The patient will need to avoid the following: touching the area, rinsing, smoking and strenuous activity. Sucking and smoking could lead to dry socket – the blood clot which forms in the socket comes out. Dry socket is very painful and slows down healing.
