Extracting a tooth is usually an option that’s only recommended when a tooth can’t be saved. In many cases, the procedure is a simple one that involves gently loosening a tooth within its socket and then removing it carefully. However, in some cases, successfully removing a troublesome tooth isn’t so simple. At our Santa Rosa, CA, office, we may recommend performing surgical tooth extraction to ensure that problem is fully resolved without causing more harm to your oral health.
A wisdom tooth is impacted
An impacted wisdom tooth, or third molar, is one of the most common reasons for needing surgical tooth extraction. Tooth impaction occurs when the tooth becomes stuck within the jawbone and/or behind another tooth and is unable to fully erupt through your gum line. Because the impaction is within your jawbone, it can lead to a wide range of severe discomforts, and oral surgery is often the only way to successfully remove it. Depending on the severity of your condition, you may need to surgically extract all four of your wisdom teeth to avoid further complications.
A tooth fracture extends to the root
When a tooth is fractured, it can often be fixed with an appropriate, custom-designed restorative treatment. For example, placing a dental crown over the tooth can help restore its strength and integrity while stopping the fracture from growing worse. However, if the fracture extends vertically to the root of your tooth, which rests underneath your gums, then a dental crown or other restoration won’t be able to fix it. To remove the tooth without causing the root to break off within your jawbone, we can recommend surgical extraction to remove it and replace it with a lifelike prosthesis.
A tooth root is broken
If your tooth root does break, then surgical extraction will be essential for removing the tooth crown and root successfully, before the broken root can damage the jawbone or lead to a dental infection. In many cases, we can replace the root and crown with a dental implant restoration. The implant post can be inserted into your jawbone in place of the extracted root, and then topped with a lifelike dental crown to replace the visible portion of your tooth.
Learn if you need surgical tooth extraction
Tooth extraction can be simple sometimes, but in certain cases, it requires more involved oral surgery to ensure optimal results for your oral health. For more information, schedule a consultation by calling Santa Rosa Oral Surgery in Santa Rosa, CA, today at 707-545-4625.
