Tooth Extractions in Frisco

We stress preventive oral health care at Parklane Family Dentistry. Frisco dentist Dr. Vashisht and her team want you to have strong, healthy teeth, and they work to help you keep them that way with general dentistry. However, it is not always possible to save a tooth from extraction.

Severe decay, which damages most of the tooth and extends below the gum line may be a cause for extraction. Periodontal disease is also another reason why a tooth may need to be pulled. When the gums have receded significantly and infection has caused bone loss, there may not be enough bone to support the tooth.

Fortunately, dental techniques and instruments have been improved over the years.  So, you do not need to worry about tooth extraction being a painful procedure. We do everything to make you feel relaxed and comfortable. We explain the procedure to you as well as why we are pulling the tooth rather than saving it. For patients who are very apprehensive about the procedure, we offer sedation to help them relax.

Damaged Tooth Removal

Significant damage to a tooth can make removal a little more complicated. Under normal circumstances, when a tooth needs extraction, the procedure is routine. Anterior teeth only have one root, so pulling them is rather straightforward. Back teeth have anywhere from two roots on the bicuspids to three or sometimes four on the molars. These teeth can take more time to extract.

When a tooth is broken off below the gum line, extraction can be more difficult. X-rays will help show how extensive the damage is and guide Dr. Vashisht in removal of the remainder of the tooth.

Wisdom Teeth Extractions

It’s estimated that 10 Million wisdom teeth are removed each year in the US. That’s a lot of people having their wisdom teeth extracted! But why is this so common? The answer is Impacted Wisdom Teeth!

Impacted Wisdom Teeth Explained

An impacted wisdom tooth occurs when the wisdom tooth does not erupt from the gums properly. Impacted wisdom teeth typically occur due to overcrowding in your mouth. Overcrowding can cause the wisdom teeth to grow at an angle or become “trapped” within the jawbone or gums. This can lead to a variety of problems such as pain, infection, and even cysts.

How Do I Know if I Need My Tooth Extracted?

Here are signs to watch out for:

Pain or Sensitivity Around Your Wisdom Teeth– If your wisdom teeth are causing pain or sensitivity when touched or brushed, it could be an indication that they need to be removed. This pain or sensitivity could also spread to other nearby teeth, as well as the jawbone and surrounding gums.

Bad Smell Around Your Wisdom Teeth – An odor coming from the area around your wisdom teeth could be a sign of infection and may mean that they need to be extracted. Of course, it’s always possible that this smell is coming from something else in the mouth, such as food particles stuck between teeth.

Severe Dental Caries – A recent research study found that caries (52.2%) were the most common reason for tooth extractions among adults. If your wisdom teeth have severe dental caries, then they may need to be removed to prevent further damage to the rest of your mouth and teeth.

Continued Plaque Buildup – If plaque continues to build up around your wisdom teeth despite brushing and flossing regularly, then it could be a sign that they need to be extracted. This buildup can cause serious infections and should not be ignored.

Your Wisdom Teeth Appear Swollen or Inflamed – Swelling around your wisdom teeth is typically caused by bacteria invading the area and can lead to infections if left untreated.

Infection or Cyst Formation – wisdom teeth cysts and infection often require immediate attention from Dr. Vashisht who will likely recommend an extraction in order to address them effectively before further damage occurs.

The Tooth Extraction Process

The whole process can be summarized in two steps:

Step 1: Initial Consultation

Your first step in the tooth extraction process is consultation. During this appointment, Dr. Vashisht will assess the health of your wisdom teeth and take x-rays to get an idea of their position. Even if you aren’t currently experiencing any symptoms related to your wisdom teeth, she may still suggest having them removed in order to prevent potential issues down the road.

Dr. Vashisht will also discuss what to expect during the extraction as well as any sedation options available.

Step 2: Tooth Extraction Surgery

The extraction steps can vary depending on the position of your wisdom teeth. Generally speaking, though, these are the steps that you can expect: sedation, numbing of the area, tissue removal (if needed), extraction of the tooth (or teeth), and stitches (if needed).

When you need to have a tooth removed, you want to have it done by a caring, compassionate staff who will understand your possible apprehensions. This is how we work with patients at Parklane Family Dentistry. Contact us for extractions and all your dental needs.