We offer tooth extraction (also called exodontia) procedures, including the extraction of wisdom teeth. Historically tooth infections were linked to a variety of ailments, so tooth extraction was a common medical procedure. Today, tooth extraction procedures are more commonly performed to remove badly decayed teeth or to reduce tooth crowding.
Types of Extractions
The two main types of tooth extractions offered to dental patients are simple extractions and surgical extractions.
Simple extractions are typically performed on teeth that are visible or have already erupted from the gum line. The procedure is done by first administering a local anesthesia, then removing the tooth.
Surgical extractions are a more complicated and involved process than simple extractions because they involve removing teeth that have not yet erupted from below the gum line. This procedure also requires a general anesthesia. Some common causes for surgical extractions are badly impacted teeth and wisdom teeth.
Impacted Teeth
Impacted teeth are teeth that are obstructed from erupting from beneath the gums. In some cases, these hidden teeth cause no problems. However, occasionally the impacted teeth press against the roots of erupted teeth, causing damage to occur.
Another problem that could occur with impacted teeth is damage to the bone. When these situations occur, the best recommendation might be surgical extraction to remove the offending impacted teeth.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction
We provide wisdom tooth extraction. Perhaps the most common type of dental surgical extraction is the removal of impacted wisdom teeth. Because they are the last of the adult teeth to appear, the wisdom teeth are sometimes crowded out by the other teeth.
Crowding causes the wisdom teeth to become impacted before they are able to erupt from the gum line. Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to more serious dental problems, so surgical extraction is a very common preventative measure.
Let Us Help You with Your Extraction Needs
You can count on us to treat your tooth extraction with the care that you deserve! Call and schedule an appointment today with our dentist in La Mesa!
