Tooth ExtractionsAn Overview
A tooth extraction is typically a treatment of last resort in the case of damage or decay. However, it may be the necessary part of a treatment plan for overcrowding and orthodontics. The most common tooth extraction and one that most patients will experience is wisdom teeth removal.
Dr. Dechter and Dr. Moy can perform tooth extractions in our Silver Spring dental office but may refer out to a local specialist in complex cases where teeth are significantly impacted in the bone. As a family dentist, we can monitor the development of wisdom teeth in children and young adults, recommending extraction when appropriate for long-term dental health.
A tooth extraction often creates the need for tooth replacement. Your dentist will discuss your needs and present appropriate treatment options for restoring your smile with a dental implant, dental bridge or denture. Replacing a lost or extracted tooth as soon as possible is important for the integrity of your smile. Missing teeth can allow existing teeth to shift position and often lead to bone loss in the jaw. Prompt and effective treatment will help you to maintain the structure, appearance, and function of your smile.
Why Extract Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom tooth extraction is recommended when the growing or erupting teeth are impacting your overall dental health. Considered the third molars, wisdom teeth are often prevented from fully erupting due to space issues in the jaw and become impacted in the bone. In many cases, they are pushing against the second molars or on nerves in the jaw and can cause discomfort as they grow.
Left in place, wisdom teeth can affect the fit and function of your bite, increase the risk of decay and possible cause infection in the bone if impacted. Removing wisdom teeth that have been identified as a threat to long-term oral health is often done in the late teens and early twenties. This is the ideal time to remove wisdom teeth before the roots have fully formed.