San Francisco and Marin CA
At Glen Park Dental, we believe in preventing tooth loss whenever possible. However, sometimes, the best option for the long-term health of a patient is tooth removal. In these instances, we can perform an extraction.
When is an extraction necessary?
Did you know that your teeth could kill you? An abscessed tooth is one that develops an infection that signifies your body is attempting to reject the tooth. Left untreated, a tooth with an abscess will leak bacteria into the bloodstream, thus allowing the infection to spread throughout the body, infecting blood vessels, valves, and organs.
An infected tooth must be treated to prevent complications to the patient’s oral or overall health.
Other reasons for an extraction include the following:
- Damage due to injury
- Extensive tooth decay
- Deterioration of supporting bone structure caused by gum disease or because of other lost teeth
- Crowding or crooked teeth (to make way for orthodontic treatment)
- Removal of third molars
Surgical extractions
The dentists at Glen Park Dental also can perform surgical tooth extractions, which actually are the most common type of surgery performed in the U.S.
A surgical extraction is defined as any extraction procedure that involves making an incision into gum tissue or bone to remove a tooth.
One of the most common types of surgical extraction is the removal of third molars, which also are referred to as wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth emerge at the back of the mouth, typically when a person is between the ages of 17 and 25. When they emerge, wisdom teeth often lead to crowding in the mouth, which exerts additional force on your other permanent teeth. This force can cause significant oral health problems over time, which is why we suggest extracting wisdom teeth as soon as possible following their detection.
Post-procedure care
Minimal discomfort is expected following an extraction procedure. You should rest for the remainder of the day following an extraction, after which you can return to your normal routine. After an extraction, continue a comprehensive regimen of oral hygiene that includes the short-term use of an oral rinse, which will reduce your chance of infection. Our caring dental staff will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to care for your mouth following an extraction.
Do you, or a member of your family have a tooth that needs to be extracted? If so, contact our office at (415) 585-1500 to schedule an appointment.
Glen Park Dental provides comprehensive, compassionate, quality oral health care for patients in the areas of San Francisco and Marin California.
