Albuquerque, NM Dentist Explains the Importance of Tooth Extractions

Tooth extractions have occurred for hundreds of years for a variety of reasons. Some civilizations extracted teeth in order to implant gold equivalents; in later years, extraction was the only solution to a toothache. Today, tooth extraction isn’t the go-to procedure of choice, since dentists with their patients keep more of their natural teeth. Dr. Mark Miller, your Albuquerque, NM family dentist explains why tooth extractions still occur.

A Tooth Exaction Occurs for the Following Reasons

• Tooth decay. When a tooth is too severely decayed or diseased, your Albuquerque, NM family dentist might recommend an extraction. Roughly 70 percent of tooth extractions (excluding wisdom teeth) stem from diseased molars.
• Overcrowding. Occasionally, an extraction is necessary to remove an excess of teeth. Overcrowding can cause teeth to fracture from the added pressure. Moreover, it’s quite common to extract teeth before the placement of braces. This ensures the brackets and wires fit properly.
• Gum disease. Advanced cases of gum disease will cause teeth to loosen. In those situations, the loosened teeth become extracted. Then, the patient chooses a dental replacement option—usually partial dentures or dental implants. 
• An impacted tooth. An impacted tooth is one that never erupts from a lack of space—typically a wisdom tooth. In such cases, removal is the only solution to avoid damage to the surrounding teeth.

Types of Tooth Extractions

1. Surgical. If a tooth isn’t visible or easily accessible, a surgical extraction is necessary. For that procedure, the dentist makes a small incision within the gums to access the tooth. Then, the doctor removes the tooth in pieces and adds a few stitches to allow the gums to heal properly. 
2. Simple. A simple extraction only requires the use of a pair of forceps and local anesthesia. With a rocking, back-and-forth motion, the dentist slowly removes the tooth. Sufficient pressure allows the ligaments to detach and the tooth comes out of the socket with ease. 

Visit Snow Park Dental for Great Dental Care

If you think you may require a tooth extraction, visit your Albuquerque, NM family dentist as soon as possible. An extraction can improve your oral health and function. To schedule an appointment, call us at (505) 596-4479. Also, visit our website to view the smile gallery, print patient forms, and read reviews from loyal patients. We look forward to treating families from Rio Rancho, Corrales, Edgewood, Tijeras, Los Lunas, and surrounding communities.

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