TOOTH EXTRACTIONS
Removing teeth is necessary to prepare for dentures and some orthodontic treatments. Wisdom teeth often require extraction, and dead or irreparably infected teeth must be removed to protect a patient’s health. Dr. Lane and our team want you to keep all of your natural teeth throughout life when it’s in the best interest of your overall health. However, should you require tooth extractions, Dr. Lane will provide contemporary treatment, with anesthetic or sedation to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure.
Call our Wasilla, AK dental office at 907-373-2200 if you need tooth extractions. After a comprehensive oral evaluation, Dr. Lane will share his findings and talk with you about all possible treatment options. Then, you can feel confident in making an informed and wise treatment decision.
When is tooth extraction necessary?
PREREQUISITE TREATMENT
Crowded or significantly misaligned teeth may need to be removed in preparation for orthodontic therapy. Some people’s arches are not large enough to accommodate all 32 adult teeth. To make space for uniform alignment of teeth, the dentist or orthodontist may suggest tooth extractions before orthodontic treatment begins.
Patients preparing for full dentures often have a few remaining teeth that must be extracted before dentures can be worn. In some cases, extraction is coupled with bone grafting to establish a solid foundation for dental implants.
WISDOM TOOTH PAIN
Third molars, or wisdom teeth, generally erupt in the late teen years or early twenties. Even before this time, the large molars can begin to shift in the jaw. When a wisdom tooth lodges against the root of a neighboring tooth, it may become impacted. This means the wisdom tooth will not erupt due to its position. An impacted tooth can cause pain, dental damage, and become infected, in which case it must be surgically extracted.
Erupted wisdom teeth can also cause issues because they are difficult to keep clean. Tooth decay is extremely common in wisdom teeth. When cavities continue to develop in the large third molars, Dr. Lane may suggest their removal.
DEAD OR IRREPARABLY DAMAGED TOOTH
Teeth are living structures, just like bones. When a tooth sustains a deep cavity or fracture, or the crown has broken off, extraction may become necessary. In some cases, restorative treatment can salvage a damaged tooth. When restoration is not possible, the tooth must be removed to prevent infection from spreading in the mouth and into the bloodstream.
SEDATION DURING EXTRACTION
Dr. Lane offers sedation dentistry, which involves taking an oral sedative before a procedure. This medication will cause you to feel extremely relaxed, and your sensations will be significantly dulled. Combined with local anesthetic, sedation allows a patient to undergo a dental procedure without mental or physical discomfort.
CALL TODAY FOR YOUR CONSULTATION
If you have been informed that you need tooth extractions, or you want to discuss the possibility of removing teeth with Dr. Lane, call our Wasilla, AK dental office at 907-373-2200 or schedule your appointment online. He will talk with you about your concerns, conduct a thorough exam, discuss treatment options with you, and answer your questions.
PRACTICE AREAS
Office Hours
Monday
8:00AM – 5:00PM
TUESDAY
8:00AM – 5:00PM
WEDNESDAY
8:00AM – 5:00PM
THURSDAY
8:00AM – 5:00PM
FRIDAY
8:00AM – 5:00PM
SATURDAY
CLOSED
SUNDAY
CLOSED