Protect Your Smile with a Tooth Extraction
At our practice, we strive to do all we can to save a damaged or decayed tooth. However, sometimes, tooth extraction is the best and safest course of action to protect your overall oral health. Dr. Matthew A. Turner of Kansas City, MO, can perform effective and efficient tooth extractions for patients who are suffering from compromised teeth or have an overly crowded bite. He can also remove stubborn baby teeth to ensure your child's permanent teeth emerge properly and in a timely fashion.
When are Extractions Necessary?
There are many circumstances that can necessitate tooth extraction. During your consultation, Dr. Turner can perform a thorough examination of your smile to determine whether you are a candidate for treatment. He may request x-rays or other advanced images to view the position of teeth and their relation to the jawbone.
If you or your child have been told you need a tooth extracted, Dr. Turner can provide safe and effective care, tailored to your unique needs.
Damage or Decay
For adults, a common reason for extraction is dental damage or decay. This may be caused by a deep crack in a tooth, or trauma that has resulted from an injury or accident. If a tooth has incurred extensive decay, it can often be restored with root canal therapy and a dental crown. However, in some cases, we may need to remove a compromised tooth to protect the health of adjacent teeth.
Gum Disease
If left untreated, gum disease can damage and destroy supportive tissue, leading to gum recession and bone loss. This process can result in severe tooth decay or even loss. For patients with advanced gum disease, Dr. Turner can extract affected teeth in preparation for dental implants and implant-supported crowns, bridges, and dentures to restore full dental form and function. In addition, these restorations can prevent further bone atrophy, helping to preserve oral health. Tooth extraction can be combined with other restorative treatments during a full mouth reconstruction to address several areas of concern.
Baby Teeth
Children with stubborn baby teeth are prime candidates for tooth extraction, especially if these teeth are preventing adult teeth from emerging properly. We may also remove teeth to facilitate orthodontic treatment.
Hyperdontia
Patients with hyperdontia have excess teeth in the mouth, resulting in overcrowding, misalignment, and displacement. Dr. Turner can can remove extra teeth that are not required for normal dentition.
Painless, Stress-Free Shots with Computer-Controlled Anesthetic
Thanks to our computer-controlled anesthetic delivery system, even the youngest patients experience pain-free and worry-free shots. Oftentimes, patients are astonished to find out that we have already numbed the treatment area. The system is so effective that patients can leave our dental office and return to their busy day without lingering effects like numbness.
The Procedure
After numbing the area with an anesthetic, Dr. Turner can use a special dental instrument to gently loosen the tooth. He can then carefully remove it from the socket, ensuring minimal impact to surrounding tissue. In some cases, he may need to section the tooth into smaller pieces in order to protect adjacent teeth, before removing it with forceps.
Recovery
After the procedure, our team will place gauze at the site of extraction. You should bite down on the gauze until bleeding has stopped. You should also avoid using straws, as sucking motions can dislodge the blood clot and disrupt healing. If you experience any pain or sensitivity, you can take over-the-counter medication to reduce discomfort and swelling. You should also maintain a soft foods diet for the first few days following surgery to ensure a smooth recovery. In most cases, patients can return to normal activity within 24 hours, but we recommend avoiding intense physical activity for the first few days to give your body plenty of time to heal.
Treatment Timeline
If you are receiving dental implants after a tooth extraction, you will need to let the socket fully heal before implant placement. Recovery time may take up to three months, but will ultimately depend upon your unique needs. To determine your treatment timeline, we can schedule a follow-up appointment after your extraction, so Dr. Turner can monitor your progress.
Contact Us for a Consultation
If you or your child have been told you need a tooth extracted, Dr. Turner can provide safe and effective care, tailored to your unique needs. To schedule your consultation, contact Matthew A. Turner D.D.S., P.C. online or call (816) 229-1433.
