What is tooth extraction ?
Tooth extraction is a dental procedure in which a dentist or oral surgeon removes a tooth from its socket in the jawbone.
This might be necessary due to various reasons such as severe tooth decay, infection, crowding, or damage that cannot be repaired. It's often done under local anesthesia to minimize pain during the procedure.
When is tooth extraction necessary ?
Tooth extraction is necessary in various situations, including:
1. Severe Decay: When a tooth is extensively decayed or damaged and cannot be repaired with dental fillings, crowns, or other treatments.
2. Infection: If a tooth infection (abscess) cannot be effectively treated with antibiotics or root canal therapy, extraction might be required to prevent the spread of infection.
3. Gum Disease/Periodontitis/piarrhea: Advanced gum disease (periodontal disease) can weaken the supporting structures around a tooth, leading to the need for extraction.
4. Crowding: In cases of severe dental crowding, tooth extraction might be necessary to create enough space for proper alignment during orthodontic treatment.
5. Impacted Teeth: Wisdom teeth (third molars) are commonly extracted if they are impacted (unable to fully emerge from the gums) or causing pain and alignment issues.
6. Fractured Teeth: Teeth that are severely fractured or broken beyond repair might need to be extracted to prevent further pain or complications.
7. Preparing for Orthodontic Treatment: Sometimes, teeth are removed to make space for orthodontic treatment like braces.
8. Cosmetic Reasons: In cases where a tooth is severely discolored, misshapen, or otherwise affecting appearance, extraction might be considered.
Your dentist or oral surgeon will carefully evaluate your situation and recommend extraction if it's deemed necessary for your oral health and well-being.
How is missing/lost teeth replaced ?
Lost teeth can be replaced through various dental treatments, including:
1. Dental Implants: Dental implants are a popular and effective long-term solution for replacing missing teeth. A small titanium post is surgically placed into the jawbone to serve as a replacement for the tooth root. After the implant integrates with the bone, a custom-made crown is attached to the implant, creating a natural-looking and functional tooth replacement.
2. Dental Bridges: A dental bridge consists of one or more artificial teeth (pontics) that are anchored to neighboring natural teeth or dental implants. The natural teeth or implants act as support for the bridge, filling in the gap left by missing teeth.
3. Dentures: Dentures are removable appliances that can replace multiple missing teeth or a full set of teeth. They can be made to look natural and fit comfortably in your mouth. Modern dentures are more comfortable and functional than older styles.
4. Partial Dentures: Partial dentures are used when some natural teeth are still present. They consist of artificial teeth attached to a base that matches the color of your gums. They are held in place using clasps or other attachments that hook onto neighboring teeth.
5. Implant-Supported Dentures/ over denture/ hybrid denture : These dentures are attached to dental implants instead of resting on the gums. They offer greater stability and improved function compared to traditional removable dentures.
6. All-on-4 or All-on-6 : These are implant-supported options for replacing a full arch of teeth. A few implants are strategically placed in the jaw to support a complete set of artificial teeth.
Is dental treatment painful ?
Dental treatment such as tooth extraction/root canal treatment/implants are typically not painful during the procedure itself, as the area is numbed with local anesthesia to prevent you from feeling pain. However, you might feel some pressure or tugging sensations as the tooth is being removed.
After the procedure, you might experience some discomfort, swelling, and mild pain as the anesthesia wears off and the healing process begins. Your dentist or oral surgeon will provide you with post-operative instructions and might prescribe pain relievers if needed. Most people find that any discomfort can be managed with over-the-counter pain medications and subsides within a few days to a week.
If you're concerned about pain or have specific questions about the procedure, it's best to discuss your concerns with your dentist or oral surgeon before the extraction. They can provide you with more information and address any worries you may have.
Who is the best dentist/doctor ?
We aim to deliver best treatment with best intention and reliable armamentarium/technology.
The choice of dentist/specialist for dental treatment depends on the complexity of the procedure and your specific needs. If you have a simple tooth extraction/root canal treatment, a general dentist may be able to handle it. However, if the treatment is more complex, such as removing impacted wisdom teeth, placing dental implants or dealing with underlying medical conditions, you might consider consulting an oral surgeon.
Here are some of the common dental specialties:
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery: Oral surgeons perform surgical procedures related to the mouth, jaws, face, and neck. This can include wisdom teeth extraction, dental implants, corrective jaw surgery, and more complex procedures.
Endodontics: Endodontists are concerned with the pulp and nerves of teeth. They perform complex root canal therapy and treat dental issues related to the inner structures of teeth.
Periodontics: Periodontists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of gum diseases and conditions affecting the supporting structures of the teeth, including the gums and bone.
Prosthodontics: Prosthodontists focus on the restoration and replacement of missing teeth using crowns, bridges and dentures.
Orthodontics: Orthodontists specialize in correcting misaligned teeth and jaws using braces, aligners, and other orthodontic devices.
Pediatric Dentistry: Pediatric dentists (pedodontists) specialize in providing dental care to children and adolescents, addressing their unique oral health needs.
Oral Pathology: Oral pathologists study and diagnose oral diseases, including oral cancer and other disorders of the oral and maxillofacial region.
Dental Public Health: This specialty focuses on promoting oral health and preventing dental diseases on a community level. Dental public health specialists work to improve the oral health of populations through education, policy development, and research.
Oral Medicine: Oral medicine specialists diagnose and manage conditions that affect the oral and maxillofacial region, often involving complex medical issues and interactions with dental care.
A dental implant is a medical device used in dentistry to replace missing teeth. It serves as an artificial tooth root that is surgically implanted into the jawbone to provide a stable foundation for a replacement tooth or dental prosthesis, such as a crown, bridge, or denture. Dental implants are a popular and effective solution for individuals who have lost one or more teeth due to various reasons, including injury, decay, gum disease, or congenital issues. .
Dental implants offer several advantages over traditional tooth replacement options like removable dentures or fixed bridges. These advantages include:
Durability: Dental implants are designed to be long-lasting and can potentially last a lifetime with proper care.
Stability: They provide a stable and secure foundation for replacement teeth, allowing for better chewing and speaking.
Natural Appearance: Implants and their associated prosthetic teeth closely mimic the appearance of natural teeth.
Preservation of Bone Health: Implants help preserve jawbone density by stimulating bone growth through osseointegration.
Improved Oral Health: Unlike dental bridges, adjacent teeth do not need to be altered or trimmed to support the implant, which helps maintain the integrity of neighboring teeth.
Basal dental implants, also known as bicortical or cortical dental implants, are a type of dental implant that differs from traditional dental implants in their design and placement technique.
These implants are typically longer and engage with the denser cortical bone in the jaws, as opposed to conventional implants which engage bone of missing teeth/alveolar ridge.
The choice between a tooth-supported crown and an implant-supported crown depends on several factors, including the condition of your natural tooth or teeth, your overall oral health, and your specific needs and preferences. Here are some considerations for each option:
Tooth-Supported Crown:
1. Preservation of Natural Tooth: If your natural tooth is healthy and can support a crown without significant damage, a tooth-supported crown may be a preferred option. It allows you to retain your natural tooth structure.
2. Cost-Effective: In general, tooth-supported crowns are often more cost-effective compared to dental implants, as they don't require implant surgery.
3. Maintenance: Natural teeth still require good oral hygiene and maintenance but generally don't involve as complex care routines as dental implants.
Implant-Supported Crown:
1. Missing or Unhealthy Teeth: Dental implants are an excellent choice when you have a missing tooth or teeth or when your natural teeth are too damaged to support a crown.
2. Durability: Implants are known for their durability and can potentially last a lifetime with proper care.
3. Bone Health: Dental implants can help preserve the jawbone by stimulating bone growth and preventing bone loss that can occur with missing teeth.
4. Independent Support: Implants provide independent support for crowns, which means they don't rely on neighboring teeth for stability. This can be advantageous in certain situations.
Ultimately, the decision should be made after a thorough examination and discussion with your oral and maxillofacial surgeon