Tooth extraction in Andover, MA
At Andover Cosmetic Dental Group in Andover, MA, we will do our best to find a different treatment option before we choose extraction because it’s usually better to try and preserve the natural tooth. Unfortunately, sometimes an extraction is the best thing for the patient. However, we’ll explain everything and try to make you as comfortable as possible.
There are many reasons to extract a tooth. Rest assured that if there’s another option that we can try before extraction, we’ll try it. If a tooth has to be extracted, we’ll discuss your options for replacing it after proper healing occurs.
Reasons for Dental Extraction
At Andover Cosmetic Dental Group, the teeth we extract the most are wisdom teeth. These are accessory teeth that start to emerge later in life when compared to other teeth. Wisdom teeth aren’t essential. If they grow and cause problems, extracting them won’t leave patients with any issues. They don’t even need to be replaced.
The problem with wisdom teeth is that they emerge after the other teeth already settled, so there’s not enough room for them. They can become impacted, causing pain, or affecting the 2nd molars. It’s always better to remove them than let them cause problems.
Infected or damaged teeth might need to be extracted too. That’s because they can act as sources of infection and affect distant parts of the body.
Types of Extraction
The two main types of extraction are simple and surgical. A simple extraction is done under local anesthesia, and the tooth usually comes out after a few pulls and maneuvers. Surgical extraction requires an incision to make room. Heavier anesthesia could be needed in surgical extractions.
Either way, we’ll make sure you’re comfortable and experience as little pain possible after an extraction.
Some swelling and discomfort are expected after a dental extraction. Within about a week, everything should go back to normal, and the swelling will fade away gradually. Give us a call today if you think you might need an extraction!