Tooth Extractions in East Longmeadow, MA
One in four adults in the United States has untreated cavities. Cavities that do not get treated in time can worsen, leading to severe tooth decay — one of the most common reasons for tooth extractions.
However, cavities are not the only reason for tooth extractions. Sometimes, an extraction is the only solution to overcrowded teeth, gum disease, or damage from an accident. If you think you need a tooth extraction, Gregory Zirakian, DMD, at East Longmeadow Family Dental Center can help.
What Are Tooth Extractions?
A tooth extraction is a dental procedure that involves removing a tooth from its socket. Although it is usually better to save damaged teeth with procedures like fillings and crowns, there are instances when an extraction is necessary.
A tooth extraction can be necessary if you have:
- Severe tooth decay
- An impacted tooth
- A broken tooth
- Crowded teeth
- Dental injuries
- Severe gum disease
Tooth extractions can also be necessary if you have issues with your wisdom teeth. If you need implant-retained dentures or an implant-supported dental bridge, it may also be necessary to extract one or more teeth.
The most common signs that a tooth is damaged enough to require extraction include:
- Severe tooth pain
- Swollen gums
- Jaw pain or stiffness
- Pain that worsens when chewing
Although no one likes the idea of losing a tooth, tooth extractions can offer benefits. If you have severe decay, removing the tooth can remove all of the bacteria from the area, preventing further issues. An extraction can also alleviate tooth pain immediately.
Tooth Extractions: What to Expect
If you suspect you may need a tooth extraction, turn to Dr. Zirakian for a free consultation. During this appointment, he will examine your mouth to see the condition of the tooth. He will also ask you about your medical history, whether you take medications, your family history of oral health, and your oral hygiene routine.
X-rays will likely be taken so that Dr. Zirakian can clearly see the extent of the problem, especially if there is any worry about your jawbone being affected. If you have dental anxieties, you can ask about sedation dentistry options during your extraction, including intravenous sedation. At the consultation, Dr. Zirakian will also discuss the costs of the procedure and let you know the available payment options. We offer payment plans that will work with any budget because we don’t want you to delay getting the treatment you need.
To begin the procedure, Dr. Zirakian will numb the area with a local anesthetic to make you comfortable. Using specialized dental instruments, he will loosen the tooth and then remove it from its socket. If the tooth is badly decayed and Dr. Zirakian cannot grasp enough of it to remove it, he may have to cut into your gums to have more access to it. Once the tooth is gone, he will clean the socket, removing debris, and might also add some stitches to help the area heal. He will also place gauze over the socket to help with clotting. If you received sedation, you will need someone to drive you home.
Recovery and Aftercare
Most people feel back to normal in a few days after a tooth extraction. As you recover, you will want to keep the extraction site clean. You can rinse the area with antimicrobial mouthwash a few times a day and brush your teeth as you normally would. Do avoid brushing the treatment area directly, however, especially if you have stitches. If Dr. Zirakian prescribes antibiotics or any other medications, make sure to take them as he directs. You can also take over-the-counter painkillers for any discomfort.
You should avoid strenuous activities for at least two days and stick with softer food options. Do not drink through straws since that can dislodge the blood clots. It can also help to use a pillow to prop your head up as you sleep.
Tooth Replacement Options
Tooth extractions can leave gaps in your mouth and also cause jawbone loss. Your jawbone depends on the stimulation it receives from the roots of your teeth to remain healthy. As soon as the tooth is gone, you can start experiencing bone loss. To prevent this problem, which can end up damaging other teeth, we recommend tooth replacement.
An excellent way to do this is to turn to mini dental implants. These are thin titanium posts that screw into your jaw, essentially functioning like a tooth’s root.
Standard dental implants can require a lot of bone density, which for many people means a bone grafting procedure, but that is not something you have to worry about with mini dental implants. The smaller size of these implants allows them to fit into narrow spaces and in areas where you may not have much bone density left. Because mini dental implants do not require a bone grafting procedure, the entire process of setting them in place is faster and more affordable.
Mini dental implants can support a false tooth, helping keep your jawbone healthy while retaining full use of your bite. If you have had several tooth extractions, you can turn to implant-supported bridges. These bridges use two dental implants to support multiple false teeth. Those who are missing most of their teeth have the choice of implant-retained dentures. These dentures snap onto the dental implants, offering more stability than a standard denture can provide while looking and feeling more natural.
Get the Dental Help You Need: Gentle Tooth Extractions in East Longmeadow, MA
If you have signs of severe tooth decay or impacted teeth, you may need a tooth extraction. Tooth extractions relieve discomfort and prevent bacteria from spreading.
At East Longmeadow Family Dental Center in East Longmeadow, MA, Dr. Zirakian provides the dental services you need. He has nearly 40 years of experience performing tooth extractions and other procedures. His state-of-the-art facilities and his dedication to his patients make him one of the leading dental experts in the area.
Call East Longmeadow Family Dental Center today to schedule your free consultation with Dr. Zirakian today.