Our dentist, Dr. Bryan Neish, may recommend tooth extractions for various reasons, or patients sometimes choose it over treatment.
Of course, we understand that dental extractions can cause anxiety. You worry about the actual procedure and how your smile will appear after.
Fortunately, your Beaverton dentist can recommend tooth replacement options when appropriate. We also provide gentle treatment if you need or request a tooth extraction.
Here are the top seven reasons people get tooth extractions:
- We cannot resolve a cavity or tooth infection with restorative dentistry.
- You request an extraction over the recommended dental treatment.
- A tooth (or teeth) is mobile and shifting due to advanced periodontal disease.
- You have a broken tooth below the gumline.
- Your teeth are too crowded to sit correctly on the gum.
- You have problematic wisdom teeth causing pain or encroaching on other teeth.
- You are preparing for tooth replacement, such as dentures, bridges, or dental implants.
In the first part of this guide, we do a deep dive into tooth extraction, including candidacy and all the reasons why.
Dental Extractions in Beaverton: Tooth Extraction Candidacy
If your tooth cannot be saved, you're an excellent candidate for extraction. Dr. Neish will evaluate the tooth, take x-rays, and plan your extraction based on the findings. This consultation is also a wonderful opportunity to ask questions and share your concerns with the dentist. We’ll let you know what to expect and discuss all aftercare instructions.
It’s important to note that tooth extraction, except for wisdom teeth, should always be followed by tooth replacement. Without tooth replacement, you risk jawbone loss, shifting teeth, and the potential for future oral health issues like tooth fractures, disrupted chewing ability, speech issues, and decay.
Tooth Extraction in Beaverton: Three Steps to a New Smile
#1 Consultation
First, of course, is your consultation. If extraction is deemed necessary or you choose this treatment option. Your dentist takes the steps needed to safely and comfortably pull the tooth. Some dental extractions are straightforward, but others are considered complex and surgical.
The difference between a straightforward and surgical extraction depends on the tooth's positioning and whether the roots or nerves encroach on other teeth. When roots and nerves are mingling, we consider it a surgical extraction. Wisdom tooth extraction is often surgical.
For you, this doesn’t make much difference because we numb the treatment site to ensure comfort. You’ll not feel pain! However, a surgical extraction may take a bit longer to perform and heal. But. Following Dr. Neish’s aftercare instructions will make you feel fine in no time.
#2 Extraction Day
If you opt for sedation dentistry, you’ll take a pill before extraction. This pill means you may not remember the finer details of your treatment. It’s also vital to have transportation because you should not drive, make important decisions, or operate machinery while on this medication.
Typically, we thoroughly numb the treatment area and use image-guided technology to extract the tooth.
After extraction, Dr. Neish may use L-PRF (leukocyte platelet-rich fiber) to accelerate and assist in post-extraction healing. This means we take a blood sample and process the platelets and growth factors. When used at the extraction site, it regenerates tissue and aids healing. It also helps preserve the jawbone for potential tooth replacement later.
#3 Tooth Extraction Recovery
Dr. Neish provides all aftercare instructions. Typically, you’ll follow these essential guidelines for a day or two:
- Avoid activities like lifting, bending, or anything that causes undue strain.
- Periodically, use ice packs for swelling and general discomfort.
- Stick to softer foods like yogurt, custard, mashed potatoes, etc.
- Don’t spit, drink through a straw or smoke. Doing so can dislodge the healing clot, leading to a painful dry socket. If you rinse your mouth, let the water fall out instead of spitting.
Tooth Extraction: Breaking Down the Reasons Why
Deep Decay, Injury, or Treated Infection: Sometimes, we cannot save a tooth through restorative dentistry, such as tooth-colored fillings in Beaverton and crowning. These types of tooth extractions should always be followed by tooth replacement.
Overcrowding and Overlapping: Sometimes, the jaw is not large enough to accommodate teeth in straight or upright positions. Extraction may be necessary to solve this problem. Sometimes, we follow extraction with orthodontics.
Periodontal Disease: Untreated periodontal disease (gum disease) destroys bone and the perio ligaments, which leads to loosened and mobile teeth. In this case, extraction is typically warranted.
Patient Choice: We may suggest tooth extraction to treat severe decay or infection. A patient may choose this option over treatment. However, we strongly encourage tooth replacement afterward.
Before Tooth Replacement: If you’re planning dentures, a dental bridge, or dental implants, it may be necessary to extract teeth that do not support a connected bridge or to complete your smile in an aesthetically pleasing way that is also functional.
Wisdom teeth (up to four) are located at the back of the mouth and are unnecessary for aesthetics or function. The dentist will recommend extraction if these teeth cause problems, such as encroaching on neighboring teeth or not fully erupting. This type of extraction doesn't require tooth replacement.
Contact Your Extraction Dentist Today
We invite you to explore the next installment of this guide on dental extractions in Beaverton (coming in March 2025), where we’ll cover how to lower your risks for necessary extractions, tooth replacement options following extraction, financing options, and how to book your consultation with the dentist.
If you have questions about tooth extraction or other treatments or are ready to schedule your consult with Dr. Neish, contact a dental team member today at (503) 643-4498.
We serve patients in all locations, including the greater Portland metro area, and look forward to helping you achieve and maintain your best smile!