It is your dentist’s goal to protect your teeth and take whatever measures are necessary to ensure their health. There are some cases, though, in which the tooth simply cannot be saved. If this is the case, an extraction may be the only option. You also may end up with wisdom teeth that erupt later in life and begin to cause problems with your healthy teeth. If this is the case, a tooth extraction will be recommended.
Dental extractions help to prevent further infection, reduce pain, and keep surrounding teeth safe. If you are experiencing pain in your tooth, set an appointment with Forest Hills Dental to see what your options are. If the tooth is beyond repair, Dr. Gregory Mark can perform a tooth extraction in Forest Hills. If wisdom teeth need to be removed, Dr. Mark is able to remove them safely and with ease.
Reasons for a Tooth Extraction in Forest Hills NY
There are a variety of issues that can lead to a tooth extraction. Most of the time these issues are preventable. Below are some of the most common reasons for a tooth extraction in Forest Hills NY:
- Advanced Tooth Decay. Cavities are very common and easy to treat. Your dentist will remove the decay and place a filling. If the tooth decay isn’t addressed, though, it can lead to a root infection. If this infection gets bad enough, your dentist will no longer be able to save your tooth and will need to extract it, so the infection doesn’t continue to spread downward.
- Periodontal Disease. Gum disease is a common issue that can be easily reversed if caught early. If it is not addressed, though, it may advance to the point of periodontitis. Once this happens, the supporting bone structure around your teeth starts to dissolve. From there, your teeth may begin to fall out. With periodontal disease often comes infected teeth. To stop the infection from spreading, these teeth may need to be extracted.
- Major Cracks or Fractures. If a tooth is cracked or fractured, there are a variety of different options for repair. This may be anything from dental bonding to the placement of a dental crown. In extreme cases of cracks or fractures where the tooth can no longer be saved, Dr. Mark may opt to extract the tooth.
- Abscessed Tooth. If you have an abscessed tooth, it often times can be treated with a root canal. Once the infection becomes so severe that it is eroding the root surface and starts spreading downward, extraction may need to be considered.
- Pain and Emergencies. If a toothache is so severe that the pain is unbearable, tooth extraction may be considered. Pain medication and therapeutic care will be the first option. If that doesn’t take care of the pain, same-day extraction may be the best option.
Wisdom Tooth Removal
Wisdom teeth are an extra set of molars that erupt later in life. While they aren’t always problematic, they often need to be extracted. If they aren’t, it can lead to impacting, pain and swelling. The pressure they put on your regular teeth can cause damage over time. They are also difficult to clean. This, in turn, can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
Dr. Mark will often opt to remove wisdom teeth once they emerge. This reduces the risk of pain, infection, and damage to healthy teeth. The procedure often involves Dr. Mark surgically removing the wisdom teeth. Patients are provided with an anesthetic. This leaves them with no recollection of the procedure.
It is important to take the day off from work and have a friend or family member ready to drive you home and help you immediately after the procedure. You will not be able to drive.
Are There Alternatives to Tooth Extraction?
Tooth extractions are the last line of defense. If Dr. Mark is able to repair the tooth, he will do everything in his power to do so. This may include root canal therapy, the placement of a dental crown, or other restorative measures. If Dr. Mark has determined there is no way to save the tooth, he will perform a tooth extraction.
Will I Need Bone Grafting After a Tooth Extraction?
There is a possibility that you will need a bone graft after a tooth extraction. This depends on factors like the health and the anatomy of your mouth. A bone graft also may be needed for a dental implant.
A bone graft provides additional bone density and strengthens the jawbone. This allows Dr. Mark to install a tooth implant. With that said, it can take months for the new bone development and the results are not guaranteed (although it is very likely the grafting procedure will go well). A bone graft may be the best option for a long-term tooth replacement solution.
Aftercare
Once you’ve had your tooth removed, you’ll need to take care of the area and follow all aftercare instructions. You will likely need to take the day off from work. For a more advanced procedure (like wisdom teeth removal), you may even need the weekend.
You can take over-the-counter medication for pain relief after the procedure, and you should stick to soft food for a period of time. Apply a cool compress to help with pain and swelling. For procedures like the removal of wisdom teeth, you may be prescribed pain relief medication. Take as prescribed.
Do not drink through a straw, smoke, or drink alcohol or carbonated beverages for a week after the procedure.
If sutures are placed, they will be removed after a few days or they will dissolve on their own.
You will be provided with aftercare instructions by Forest Hills Dental. If you have any additional questions about aftercare, contact us. We’d be happy to address any questions you have about aftercare.
Prevention
The best thing you can do is avoid a tooth extraction entirely. While there are situations in which an extraction is unavoidable (like wisdom teeth), there are other situations in which prevention is possible and even easy. Below are some things you can do to avoid a tooth extraction:
- Take proper care of your oral health. Many tooth extractions are due to decay and infection. By brushing, flossing, and rinsing twice a day, every day, you will likely avoid decay and infection.
- Visit Forest Hills Dental regularly. You should see Dr. Mark twice a year for a checkup and cleaning (every six months). If you have any decay Dr. Mark will see it and address the issue before it gets worse.
- Wear a mouth guard. To avoid damage to your teeth, wear a mouth guard when playing sports. If you have bruxism, wear a night guard.
- Set an appointment when damage or pain occurs. If you are experiencing pain or you damage your teeth, don’t wait around for your next appointment. Contact us to set an appointment so Dr. Mark can take a look and address the issue.
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Tooth Replacement
If you have a missing tooth or teeth, it’s very important to replace them as soon as possible. There are many issues that can occur if a tooth or teeth are not replaced. There are a variety of different teeth replacement options that may be recommended, such as dental implants, bridges, or partial dentures. Dr. Mark will let you know which options are available to you.
If you are considering dental implants, Dr. Mark will see if the integrity of your jawbone is able to handle the procedure. If not, a bone graft may be an option.
The tooth replacement option may also depend on your budget. While dental implants are more expensive up front, the implants themselves are generally permanent. Speak with our front office staff and your insurance company to learn more about costs and coverage.
Why Forest Hills Dental?
With over 30 years of experience, Dr. Mark is able to provide the high-quality care you expect and deserve. The team at Forest Hills Dental prides ourselves on the customer service we provide. We want all of our patients to feel comfortable and confident about their upcoming procedures. We offer dental services with a smile!
Payment Options
Forest Hills Dental provides flexible payment options, and we work with your insurance company to get you a detailed estimate of costs. If you don’t have insurance or need help with payment, we accept CareCredit.
Contact Forest Hills Dental for Your Extraction in Forest Hills NY
If you have a tooth that has been damaged or you are experiencing severe pain, discoloration, or any other issue, contact Forest Hills Dental today. We’ll schedule you for an appointment so Dr. Mark can take a look. If he is able to save the tooth, we will schedule you for a procedure to do so. If not, we will schedule you for an extraction.
If you have any questions or would like to book your appointment, reach out to Forest Hills Dental today.