Patients require tooth removal for a wide variety of reasons including tooth decay, gum disease, or even fracture during regular function. Sometimes, your general dentist can repair this with a root canal, filling, or a crown; however, extensive damage may require tooth extraction. If that is the case, you may be referred to an oral surgeon to ensure that your tooth is removed, and the extraction site is restored for optimal long-term results. We will work hard to examine every possibility of restoring the natural tooth, but if it must be removed, we can also provide the best options for tooth replacement.
A tooth is typically extracted as a result of one of the following conditions:
Dental Crowding. If the jaw bone is too small to accommodate all of the teeth, or the patient has an extra tooth or teeth, a tooth may need to be removed to make space and avoid potential problems.
Periodontal (Gum) Disease. Gum disease affects the tissues around the tooth and the bones beneath the gum line, which causes tooth loosening and the need for removal.
The Risk of Infection. Patients with excessive tooth decay may see infection spread into the center of the tooth, damaging important blood vessels and nerves. If the infection spreads, root canal therapy or antibiotics may no longer be viable options. In such cases, the tooth should be removed immediately to avoid dangerous infections.
How do I know if I need a tooth removed?
Before removing your tooth, Dr. Anderson will perform a thorough clinical examination and review your medical history. If you have not received an X-ray or 3D scan of your jaws and teeth before your initial consultation, you may receive one at our office. We will work with you to develop the best and most effective treatment plan for extracting the tooth, taking into consideration the tooth’s relationship to other structures in the mouth such as the sinuses, nerves, and adjacent teeth.
Dr. Anderson offers a wide variety of anesthetic and sedative options, including local anesthesia, nitrous oxide (or laughing gas), and IV anesthesia to aid with any pre-surgical anxiety and ease the experience associated with the extraction procedure. We will also provide options for tooth replacement, such as dental implants, which can often be placed at the same time the tooth extraction procedure takes place.
Our primary goal is to restore your oral health and provide you with the best option for replacing missing teeth. If you think you may be in need of a tooth extraction, we encourage you to contact our office in Granger, IN. Our front desk staff will happily help you schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Anderson.