When are extractions necessary?

Tooth extractions are necessary when repairing an existing tooth isn’t practical. Teeth that are broken, cracked, or suffer from extremely advanced decay are usually good candidates for extractions. If a tooth is too far gone even for root canal therapy, a dentist may need to perform an extraction. Also, if periodontal disease has damaged the bone tissue surrounding a tooth, that tooth may need to be pulled.

Why are tooth extractions often seen as a last resort?

After extractions, teeth near the one that was removed tend to shift – sometimes significantly. This can result in a misalignment of many teeth, or lead to chewing problems or jaw function. Moreover, extractions can sometimes lead to difficulty in cleaning the remaining teeth, which could in turn lead to tooth decay or gum disease.

What about wisdom teeth? Aren’t they a common candidate for extractions?

Sometimes wisdom teeth – the third molars that usually appear sometime after your 16th birthday – come in straight, sometimes they don’t. If a wisdom tooth is malpositioned – meaning it’s not coming in straight –a dentist will need to extract it. Fortunately, these extractions no longer require elaborate surgery. Your dentist can perform them right in the dental chair!

Can Comprehensive Family Dentistry perform tooth extractions?

Dr. Mark Weglos and the staff at Comprehensive Family Dentistry regularly perform tooth extractions</a> in Newtown, Yardley, Langhorne, Philadelphia and the Bucks County area.  Our extractions are done using minimally invasive techniques developed by Dr. Weglos himself. The extraction process preserves as much bone as possible, produces minimal swelling and discoloration, and requires less recuperation time.

What should I do after my extraction?

After tooth extractions, blood clotting needs to occur in the affected areas. Your dentist may ask you to bite down on a piece of gauze to minimize bleeding. After the extraction, it’s important that you not suck through a straw or spit, as this might jeopardize the extraction’s ability to form a clot. It’s also important to avoid drinking alcohol or smoking for at least 24 hours after the extraction.