TOOTH EXTRACTIONS

Tooth Extraction Surgery in Lancaster, Lititz, and Hummelstown / Harrisburg, PA

While many teens and young adults have their wisdom teeth extracted to prevent problems in the future, there are many other reasons listed below that patients seek the help of an oral surgeon for a tooth extraction. This surgery is usually performed on an outpatient basis in an office setting and is a relatively quick procedure. The extraction can be simple or surgical depending on the difficultly of removing the tooth. At times, a surgical drill may be used and resorbable sutures can be placed to reapproximate tissues and promote healing.  
Why Do You Need a Tooth Extraction?

  • Excessive Tooth Decay: A tooth with deep, non-restorable decay is often not able to be saved with conventional dentistry techniques. Oftentimes the decay can extend to the level of the bone or onto root surfaces and the tooth is therefore deemed hopeless and will need to be extracted.
  • Vertical or Horizontal Fracture: On occasion, a patient will experience a sudden, sharp, unrelenting pain with a tooth. This may indicate the tooth is fractured and can occur with patients that clench their jaw, have a history chewing hard, crunchy foods, or have chronic habits such as nail biting. Depending on where the fracture is determines the status of the tooth and need for tooth extraction.
  • Active Dental Infection with Pain and Swelling: When a decayed tooth is left unattended a serious infection can develop with significant pain and facial swelling. These infections can sometimes take weeks to develop, but on occasion can develop overnight. Usually antibiotics are provided to help bridge the patient until the tooth extraction is completed, but it is important to remember that the antibiotics are only a temporary fix to the problem, which is the tooth itself.  
  • Excessive crowding: Crowding of teeth in the oral cavity can create many problems including the inability to clean the teeth properly, development of a malocclusion, or deep periodontal pocketing and bone loss. Oftentimes, an orthodontist will refer a patient to an oral surgeon to electively extract teeth prior to orthodontic treatment. These selective extractions allow the orthodontist to then have room to shift teeth into a more harmonious relationship. 
  • Cardiac/Joint Replacement Clearance: Patients that are undergoing specific cardiac surgeries are required to obtain dental clearance. This clearance requires that any teeth that are at risk of failure or infection be extracted prior to surgery. This same dental clearance also applies to patients that are pursuing orthopedic joint replacements. 
  • Impacted tooth: Teeth that fail to erupt in the mouth often remain asymptomatic. It is important that these teeth are monitored with routine x-rays by your dentist, because there are times, when left in place, the impacted tooth can cause damage to a neighboring tooth or develop its own pathology (cyst or resorption) or decay. When this occurs extraction is advised.
  • Treatment following Dental Trauma: When you have sustained a sports injury or been in a car accident the mouth can sometimes be negatively affected. If the teeth are broken/fractured beyond repair or significantly mobile, then tooth extraction is often indicated. Fortunately, there are many replacement options which will be discussed by your dentist/oral surgeon.
  • Solutions when other dental options have failed: Teeth that have multiple restorations, root canals, or crowns can fail with time. If you have spent a large amount of money on your teeth only to find they need to be extracted, there are replacement options which will be discussed by your oral surgeon.

Why Should You Choose Conestoga Oral Surgery?

If your dentist has recommended that you have a tooth extracted, it is important that you choose an experienced oral surgeon that exhibits a commitment to your overall health and well-being.  The surgeons at Conestoga Oral Surgery offers all this and much more. If you are looking for an unparalleled level of service in Lancaster, Lititz, and Hummelstown / Harrisburg, PA choose Conestoga Oral Surgery for all your oral surgery needs.  To schedule a tooth extraction in Lancaster, Lititz, or Hummelstown / Harrisburg, PA, call our office today at (717) 394-3033.


Share by: