Raleigh. NC
An extraction is a dental procedure where a tooth is removed. This procedure removes a tooth from its socket, clinically known as the alveolus. Extractions can be performed by oral surgeons, dentists and periodontists. At Triangle Periodontics, Dr. Otis Washington will assess your oral care needs and determine if an extraction in Raleigh is necessary.
There are 2 types of tooth extractions
Simple extractions are most often performed on teeth that are visible in the mouth and are usually done under local anesthesia.
Surgical extractions generally are performed on teeth that cannot be easily accessed. This happens when the tooth has not fully erupted above the gumline, or has broken below the gumline.
A person produces two sets of teeth in their lifetime: baby teeth and permanent teeth. Life can be unpredictable and unforeseen circumstances can arise that make a tooth extraction necessary.
5 Reasons a tooth is extracted
- Irreparable damage due to severe decay – When decay reaches the pulp at the center of the tooth, this can contaminate the pulp–the soft interior of the tooth–and cause an infection. A root canal procedure can be done, in hopes of treating the infection. Depending on the severity of the infection, an extraction may be the best course of action to keep the infection from spreading and impacting other areas of your personal health.
- A solution for periodontal disease – Gum disease is a bacterial infection that can affect the gums, periodontal ligaments, alveolar bone and several structures surrounding your teeth. The earliest stage of the disease is gingivitis but, without diagnosis and treatment, gum disease progresses into periodontitis. By this stage, a person with gum disease has experienced permanent damage. Periodontitis may impact the periodontal ligaments and alveolar bone, potentially compromising or loosening teeth.
- An impacted tooth – A tooth is impacted when it is blocked from reaching the surface, or when the gum never fully erupted in order for the tooth to emerge above the gumline. That is often the case with wisdom teeth, also known as third molars. Extraction may be recommended to prevent the impacted tooth from damaging other teeth or to lower the risk of infection.
- Overcrowding – Extraction may be recommended if a patient is set to undergo an orthodontic treatment and there isn’t sufficient room for the teeth to realign themselves. Crowding in the mouth can make teeth more vulnerable to excessive wear or breakage. Overcrowding also makes it more difficult to keep your teeth clean, increasing your risk of decay or gum disease.
- Damage from an accident – A dental emergency can occur at any time. Depending on the extent of the damage, you may need to have a broken, cracked or chipped tooth removed. An experienced dentist like Dr. Washington can determine whether your damaged tooth can be saved or needs to be extracted.
Extractions in Apex, Cary and Raleigh, North Carolina
At Triangle Periodontics, our philosophy is to preserve teeth whenever possible. Some situations, however, dictate that removing a tooth is the necessary course of action. If you have a tooth that needs to be extracted, Triangle Periodontics provides you with the highest level of care, respect and support. Dr. Washington and his team of skilled dental professionals are here to help. Contact our office at (919) 782-9536 or visit us online to schedule a consultation.