Experiencing tooth pain or facing dental issues can be daunting, especially when it’s determined that a tooth needs to be removed.
Dr. Harris is not just a qualified oral surgeon, he treats his patients like family. Harris Family Dentistry is run by a husband and wife duo, and they’ve worked hard to make their practice feel like a second home for their patients. It’s one of the most comfortable places for oral surgery in Dawsonville!
Why Are Extractions Necessary?
Extractions are sometimes an essential step to ensure optimal oral health. Here are some reasons we might recommend an extraction:
- Infection: One common reason for an extraction is a tooth infection, which can become deeply rooted and affect the surrounding bone and tissue. If left untreated, this infection can spread, posing even greater health risks.
- Impaction: Impaction, typically seen with wisdom teeth, occurs when a tooth fails to emerge through the gums properly. This can lead to pain, swelling, and sometimes, cyst formation.
- Baby Tooth that Doesn’t Fall Out: A stubborn baby tooth that never falls out can block the way for an emerging permanent tooth, leading to alignment issues. In such cases, extraction can make room for the adult tooth and prevent future orthodontic problems.
The Benefits of Removing Certain Teeth
Opting to remove specific teeth can offer numerous advantages to one’s overall oral health:
- Stopping Source of Infection: Firstly, extractions can pave the way to improved health by eliminating sources of infection and decay that might otherwise compromise adjacent teeth or gum tissue.
- Improving Orthodontic Condition: Better tooth alignment often follows extractions, especially when removing teeth prevents overcrowding or aids in creating a better spacing for braces.
- Reducing Infection Risk: By taking out problematic teeth, there’s a lowered risk of infection that might otherwise spread to neighboring areas or even to other parts of the body.
- Relieving Pain: Extracting troubled teeth can alleviate pain and discomfort, providing relief and a better quality of life.
Simple and Surgical Extractions
When it comes to tooth extractions, there are primarily two types: simple and surgical extractions.
- Simple Extractions: This is performed on teeth that are visible above the gum line and can be removed using traditional dental tools. The procedure involves loosening the tooth with an instrument called an elevator and then using forceps to remove the tooth.
- Surgical Extractions: This is a slightly more involved procedure, typically used when a tooth is broken off at the gum line, has not erupted fully, or is positioned in a manner that requires a more comprehensive approach. During a surgical extraction, Dr. Harris might need to make a small incision into the gum to access and remove the tooth. Surgical extractions are common with impacted wisdom teeth.
The Extraction Process:
- Initial Evaluation: The extraction process begins with a consultation appointment where Dr. Harris assesses the condition of the tooth and determines the best course of action.
- Anesthesia Application: Before the procedure starts, a local anesthetic is administered to the area, ensuring that you won’t feel any pain during the extraction.
- Tooth Removal: Depending on the tooth’s condition, it may be sectioned or divided. Dr. Harris then carefully removes the tooth using specialized instruments.
- Post-Procedure Care: Once the tooth is extracted, we’ll provide some guidelines such as rest, avoiding certain foods, and maintaining oral hygiene for optimal healing.
- Socket Preservation: This is a step we will take to save your jaw from bone loss while your extraction site heals and you decide on a tooth replacement method.
- Tooth Replacement: We’ll discuss potential solutions for replacing the missing tooth, considering both aesthetics and functionality.
Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, typically emerge between the ages of 17-25. For many individuals, there’s inadequate space in the mouth to accommodate these new teeth, leading to impaction, misalignment, or crowding of other teeth.
When wisdom teeth become problematic, it’s often recommended to have them removed. Symptoms of problematic wisdom teeth can include pain, swelling, and potential infection. Extraction can prevent these issues, as well as potential cyst formation and damage to neighboring teeth.
Dr. Harris and the team at Harris Family Dentistry are adept at evaluating the need for wisdom teeth removal and performing the procedure with precision, ensuring patient comfort throughout.
Socket Preservation
After tooth extraction, it’s essential to consider the health of the remaining socket. Socket preservation is a procedure aimed at reducing bone loss after extraction.
When a tooth is removed, there can be a significant bone loss in the first 3–6 months. Socket preservation involves placing a bone graft material into the socket right after extraction. This graft not only supports new bone growth but prevents the collapse of the surrounding gum tissue.
By opting for socket preservation, patients can ensure a better foundation for future dental implants, maintain the aesthetic appearance of the gums and jaw, and reduce complications.
Whether you’re considering a simple extraction, surgical procedure, or even socket preservation, Harris Family Dentistry stands ready to provide top-tier care. With an unwavering commitment to patient comfort and satisfaction, every procedure is carried out meticulously, prioritizing your oral health every step of the way.
Other Oral Surgical Procedures Offered at Harris Family Dentistry
At Harris Family Dentistry, extractions are just one facet of our comprehensive oral surgical offerings. Below are some of the advanced procedures we provide to address a myriad of dental concerns and ensure optimal oral health.
Implant Placement
Dental implants are titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone, serving as artificial roots for replacement teeth. They provide a durable, long-term solution for missing teeth, seamlessly blending with natural teeth for a complete and confident smile.
Full Mouth Reconstruction
Full mouth reconstructions refer to a comprehensive treatment that addresses multiple dental issues simultaneously. This procedure combines aesthetics with the science of restorative dentistry to improve the health, function, and beauty of the mouth.
Whether due to injury, wear, or multiple dental problems, a full mouth reconstruction can restore your smile holistically, ensuring long-lasting results and rejuvenated oral health.
Root Canal Treatment
Root canals are essential dental procedures designed to treat infection or damage within a tooth’s pulp and root. By removing the affected tissue and sealing the tooth, this treatment prevents the spread of infection and saves the natural tooth.
Though often feared, modern root canals are efficient and relatively pain-free, providing relief from discomfort and preserving the tooth’s structure and function in the mouth.
An Oral Surgeon You Can Trust
When it comes to expertise in oral surgery, Dr. Craig Harris stands out in the Dawson community. He has not only been awarded the Readers’ Choice “Best of Dawson” by Dawson County News for three consecutive years but also boasts an impressive 15 years of experience in placing dental implants.
Dr. Harris doesn’t just stop at standard implants; he extends his services to offer complex implant restorative treatments, ensuring that every patient gets a tailored solution for their unique needs.
And for those looking for swift results? We offer “Teeth in a Day!” Get same-day dental implants, and replace missing teeth fast! Choose Dr. Harris, and rest assured you’re in expert hands.
Schedule Your Extraction or Surgical Procedure Today!
Don’t wait another day to prioritize your oral health! Book your appointment with us now and take the first step towards a healthier smile. Schedule your extraction or surgical procedure with Harris Family Dentistry today!