Tooth Extraction & Wisdom Teeth Removal
With over 25 years of experience in helping patients perfect their smiles, we can appreciate dental appointments can be stressful for some. When these dental appointments involve a treatment like a tooth extraction, that stress can increase!
However, we believe that peace of mind is key at The Gentle Art of Dentistry. Our dental team is committed to your comfort during each treatment selected, especially if it requires a tooth removal. In fact, if such a procedure causes you dental anxiety, we recommend visiting our sedation treatment page to learn about our sedation dentistry options for procedures like these.
At our Houston dentist’s office, you can trust in our winning combination of top-tier oral care technology and an experienced dental team for a tooth removal that does The Gentle Art of Dentistry proud.
Pull It or Lose It? Reasons for Getting a Tooth Pulled
While the wisdom teeth are the most common tooth extractions for adults, there are many reasons a patient might need a tooth pulled. Some reasons are cosmetic, others for their overall oral health, but most often it is a combination of both.
The following are some of the most common reasons a patient might want to have one or more teeth pulled. Should any apply to you, consider scheduling an appointment at our office!
- Tooth Decay: This is arguably the number one reason a tooth is pulled. When the enamel (the hard, outer layer of the tooth) is compromised by plaque or tartar build-up, it allows cavities to form. These holes in the tooth can let harmful bacteria inside the tooth, leading to dangerous infection.
- Gum Disease: If excess bacteria is allowed to attack the gums, it causes gingivitis. If left untreated, gingivitis can advance into an infection such as periodontitis, which can force the separation of gum and tooth tissue or even the deterioration of the jawbone! Click here to learn more about gum disease diagnosis and treatment.
- Overcrowded Teeth: A condition where teeth have become misaligned, causing them to push together, overlap, or bunch together in one section of the mouth. Extracting a troublesome tooth before braces or aligners allows the other teeth to be correctly positioned.
- Broken or Damaged Tooth: Through an accident, neglect, or simply old age, if a tooth becomes damaged beyond repair, it becomes a great risk for infection. Removing it and replacing it with a dental implant can be the healthiest option.
What Is the Tooth Extraction Procedure?
At our practice, we want to ensure that all of our dental procedures meet our patient’s oral care needs and customize their dental treatment. This begins with an appointment to go over solutions and if a tooth removal should be among those options.
If a tooth extraction is recommended, we will proceed to a more thorough examination of any troublesome teeth, which may include the use of our high-definition x-ray. During these preliminary stages, our dental team will go over oral health history and any other medical concerns such as hypertension, liver disease, or current medications.
For your comfort, we encourage all patients to discuss any dental anxiety they may be feeling with us. At The Gentle Art of Dentistry, we’re committed to making every procedure a stress-free experience. If you are experiencing dental anxiety, there are sedation treatment solutions that may help.
Once these steps are covered and the examination results have been reviewed, our dental team will determine which tooth extraction method is best: simple or surgical.
Simple Tooth Extraction: Usually used to remove a visible tooth. After applying a numbing agent, a special tool called an elevator is used to carefully loosen the tooth, where it can then be fully extracted.
Surgical Tooth Extraction: A more involved removal process, reserved for an impacted tooth or damaged teeth that have been broken off at the gum line. Once the anesthesia has been applied, a light incision will be made along the gums, allowing the target tooth to be extracted.
Considering Tooth Extraction Treatment? Contact Us!
If a troublesome tooth is causing discomfort due to decay or an impacted molar is putting your oral health at risk, don’t wait! Take charge by scheduling a consultation at our office! We serve patients from throughout the greater Houston area—including Tomball, Cypress, and Spring, TX.
