Truth be told, all of us would probably rather keep all of our teeth. Proper dental hygiene, regular care, and preventive maintenance can go a long way toward preserving your teeth, but what if a tooth simply can’t be saved? There are actually a number of reasons why patients seek surgical teeth removal in Pasadena, but first, let’s get a better understanding of the general reasons teeth might need extraction.

Reasons You May Need an Extraction?

Some tooth extractions are done as a preventive measure while others are done to correct existing problems. While there are many reasons why patients need teeth removal in Pasadena, some of the most common are:

  • A crowded mouth: Sometimes teeth are extracted to prepare the mouth for orthodontics. Teeth that are too big for your mouth or that are unable to erupt into proper position can compromise efforts to straighten teeth, so extraction may be needed. This may also be done for impacted teeth regardless of plans for orthodontics.
  • Infection: Left untreated, tooth decay and damage can extend to the pulp (the heart of the tooth where nerves and blood vessels are located). It’s possible for bacteria to infect the pulp, and if this infection becomes severe enough that it can’t be treated by antibiotics, extraction may be needed to prevent the infection from spreading.
  • Risk of infection: In certain cases, such as if you’re awaiting an organ transplant or have a compromised immune system due to chemotherapy, even the chance of developing an infection is too great and a tooth may be extracted.
  • Gum disease: Periodontal disease, which affects the tissues and bones surrounding the teeth, can cause teeth to become loose and/or painful. Tooth extraction is often performed in these cases in order to better treat the disease and avoid further infection and damage.

When is a Surgical Extraction Necessary?

Most simple tooth extractions can be performed by a general dentist, but there are cases where patients needing tooth removal in Pasadena, might be referred to an oral surgeon for surgical extraction:

  • When teeth are damaged, infected, impacted, or very decayed, oral surgeons are often sought for their specialized training in dealing with these situations. Probably the most common example of this is with extraction of wisdom teeth.
  • Patients considering dental implants are often referred to an oral surgeon because they are able to employ special techniques designed to preserve existing bone structure – essential for proper implant placement.
  • Some patients are simply more comfortable being put under general anesthesia or IV sedation while undergoing extractions. Many general dentists may not offer these options for anesthesia, thus they refer the patient to an oral surgeon to perform the extraction.

What To Expect Before and After the Procedure

At Lytle, Tate & Stamper, our surgeons are skilled in surgical removal of teeth, particularly where dental implants will be involved. Though we also provide immediate extraction in very time-sensitive cases, typically, tooth extractions involve the following:

  1. An initial consultation, in which we learn your symptoms and any relevant medical factors and then thoroughly examine your teeth to understand what problems have occurred.
  2. At the time of extraction, you will be given anesthesia so that you feel no pain during your procedure. Depending on your specific case and preference, local or general anesthesia or IV sedation may be used.
  3. Again, depending on the nature of the extraction, different techniques will be employed to remove the problem tooth while making every effort to preserve the existing tissues and surrounding teeth.
  4. Once the extraction is complete, the tooth socket will be stitched (if needed) and dressed to allow blood to properly clot and to prevent infection. You’ll also be given instructions on pain management and care specific to your case.

If you’re in need of tooth extraction, call us at Lytle, Tate & Stamper today. We’ll be happy to answer your questions and schedule an appointment that’s convenient for you.

In need of teeth removal? Pasadena’s All-on-4® specialists, Lytle, Tate & Stamper, are here to help. Call us at (626) 792-3161 to schedule your consultation today!