Ideally, your natural teeth will last for a lifetime. However, there are situations when tooth extractions become necessary. In fact, there are some cases when extracting a tooth can lead to better overall oral health by preventing more serious problems, such as the spread of infection. At Brooks Cosmetic & Family Dentistry in McDonough, GA, Dr. Robert Brooks is your dentist for tooth extractions!

Reasons for Extraction

There are several reasons why it might be necessary to extract a tooth. For example, if a tooth is severely infected and cannot be restored through root canal treatment, extraction might be the best option for stopping the spread of infection and alleviating any tooth pain, discomfort, or sensitivity caused by the infection.

There are several signs that an extraction is needed. If you develop any of these signs, it is best to visit your McDonough dentist as soon as possible to find out if extraction is necessary:

• A severe infection has developed in the tooth
• The tooth has been severely damaged due to injury
• A wisdom tooth is impacted and will not erupt
• The teeth are overcrowded and you do not have sufficient space
• Deciduous (baby) teeth have not fallen out on their own in a timely manner

Procedure for Extracting a Tooth

The procedure for extracting a tooth is not necessarily complicated. However, if the root of the tooth is positioned in an unusual way, it can make extraction a bit more challenging. Prior to the extraction, an x-ray will be taken so that your dentist can examine the positioning of the root in advance. If it happens to be oddly positioned, the appropriate adjustments can be made to make extraction easier.

A local anesthesia will then be applied to the mouth prior to beginning the extraction procedure. The anesthesia numbs the area and helps minimize any pain or discomfort that might be experienced during the extraction procedure. In some cases, a mild sedative might also be administered to help a patient relax. Extraction can take anywhere from several minutes to around a half hour, and on average, the site takes about one to two weeks to completely heal after the procedure.

Give Us a Call!

To find out if you need an extraction, schedule an appointment with Dr. Brooks, your McDonough dentist, by calling Brooks Cosmetic & Family Dentistry at (658) 583-0330!