Tooth extraction is usually the last resort. After all other means of saving the tooth have been evaluated. Teeth are an important part of human body. Nothing can ever work as perfectly as the real body part.
At Bay Smile Dental we use every possible procedure including root canal therapy, crown, filling to save your teeth. However there are certain situations where it is necessary to extract or remove the tooth.
Dr. Harika performs a detailed evaluation before recommending a tooth extraction. Dr. Harika can provide socket preservation with bone graft, at the time of tooth extraction.
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Harika please call us 510.284.2511 or Click Here to request an Appointment.
Why would a patient need tooth extraction ?
Most often an extraction is done to solve a problem when the patient is in pain.
Every toothache does not requires an extraction. Only certain situations require a tooth extraction.
- Wisdom teeth – The Wisdom teeth need to be removed, When the jaw bone is not large enough to accommodate additional teeth. This is not the case with everyone. Some people retain their wisdom teeth all their lives. However, if the wisdom teeth begin to provide discomfort, the simplest handling is to remove them.
- Impacted Teeth – An impacted tooth is one which remains fully or partially below the surface of the gums as it grows in. Such teeth can become infected and push against other teeth, creating inflammation or infections. Impacted teeth are removed for the overall health of the patient and to relieve the pain from the swelling and inflammation.
- Crowded Teeth – There are times where teeth are too tightly crowded in a person’s mouth, and removing a tooth may simply make it easier to straighten or align the teeth. This would be done in combination with orthodontic treatment.
- Health Concerns – If a tooth has severely decayed and becomes infected, it may be in the patient’s best interest to remove it entirely and have it replaced with a dental implant.
What are different options to replace extracted or missing tooth ?
There are various replacement options available and these are best decided in consultation with your dentist. The treatment option most suitable for you would depend on the condition of your gums, remaining dentition and the bone levels.
Your dentist would carry out a thorough examination and ask for some x-rays before deciding on the best treatment strategy for you. In general, one of the following alternatives will be offered to you:
Dentures: These are removable and of two types. They can be either partial (where some teeth remain) or complete dentures. As they can be taken in and out, and may move somewhat – these are generally the least favorable option. But for some patients, perhaps due to financial limitations – they may be the only choice. Read more about dentures……
Fixed Bridges: A dental bridge is used to restore gaps with the support of the remaining adjacent teeth, which act as anchors. Bridges are fixed by the dentist by using cement and cannot be removed by patients. They can be made up of various materials like white metal, ceramic fused to metal and metal free ceramics. Bridges are custom made and restore the natural contour of the smile as well as proper bite relation of upper and lower teeth. Read more about dental bridges…..
Implants: The latest solution for replacing a lost tooth is a dental implant. They are an almost natural replacement for lost teeth, in terms of how they are anchored, look and feel in the mouth. They are synthetic structures made of titanium to be placed in the area once occupied by the root of the missing tooth. Implants are anchored to the jaw bone and act as a foundation for an artificial crown, bridge or denture. Read more about implants….
Dr. Jaspreet Harika is an experienced Fremont dentist serving Fremont, Newark CA, Union City, Hayward, Milpitas and surrounding areas. Practicing general and cosmetic dentistry. Call 510.284.2511 to make an appointment or Book Online Now !