Kingston, TN
Your teeth have many jobs, from biting and chewing, to proper speech, to provide you with a confident smile. They are even an essential component in maintaining the health of your jawbone. While teeth are the strongest substance in the human body, they can still be affected by things such as decay and physical damage. When the teeth have been compromised, they need to be treated. Often, decayed or damaged teeth can be treated with dental fillings or dental crowns. In some instances, however, the damage is so severe that no restorative treatment can help. In this case, LakeView Dental Arts can perform an extraction.
What Happens When My Teeth Are Damaged?
When your teeth are damaged or decayed, it is important to seek treatment right away. When these issues go untreated, the affected teeth are at risk for further damage. The structure of the teeth becomes compromised. The damage can also extend into the inner layers of the teeth, which can then allow bacteria to get inside and cause an infection. When the teeth are infected, bacteria can get into the bloodstream, which can then lead to serious health issues, including heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and stroke.
Why Get an Extraction?
When your teeth are damaged, we perform a thorough oral examination. We visually inspect your teeth and take x-rays. Your exam allows us to assess the extent of the damage and consider a variety of treatment options. If the damage is severe, and no restorative options will be effective, we will then decide to extract. Common reasons for tooth extractions include:
- Cracks that start in the crown and travel below the gum line, cracks that are solely below the gum line, or a tooth that is split completely in half. Crowns are typically used to restore cracked teeth, but when the damage is below the gum line, they cannot provide the protection the tooth needs.
- The tooth is shattered.
- Extensive tooth decay. When cavities are large, a filling can compromise the tooth, putting it at risk of shattering. It may also not be strong enough to support a crown.
- Advanced gum disease. When gum disease reaches advanced stages, the structures that support your teeth weaken, causing your teeth to become loose.
- Impacted teeth. A common complication associated with wisdom teeth, an impacted tooth is one that cannot erupt properly through the gums.
Simple Extractions
One way in which a tooth can be extracted is with a simple extraction. This type of extraction is typically done under a local anesthetic. The tooth is moved back and forth to widen the socket. Then the tooth is lifted free.
Surgical Extractions
Surgical extractions are performed when the situation is more complex. Complex situations include teeth broken below the gums or blockages. These types of extractions are performed under local anesthetic and sedation, if necessary, including Nitrous Oxide. Incisions are made in the gums, exposing the roots of the affected teeth and the surrounding bone. We then remove the tooth and clean the area before suturing the wound closed.
Schedule Your Consultation
After decayed or damaged teeth have been removed, it will be important to replace them. We can help you to determine the best replacement option for your needs. If you have severely damaged teeth, you may be in need of an extraction. Call LakeView Dental Arts today for more information and to schedule your consultation at (865) 376-9687.
