We Use Gentle Techniques to Comfortably Perform Your Extraction
Decay, infection, or damage can quickly spread through an affected tooth when left untreated. Although dental fillings, gum disease treatment, and restorative dentistry are designed to save your natural tooth structure, there are certain cases where a tooth extraction may be the best treatment option. Dr. Andy Maples can perform simple and complex extractions at his Loveland, CO, dental practice to help you eliminate the painful symptoms of a damaged or decayed tooth and restore health to your smile. This treatment is not always the last resort for patients. Extractions can also be used to prepare your smile for orthodontic treatment or to remove problematic wisdom teeth before the onset of more serious issues.
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Is Extraction the Best Option for You?
Before recommending an extraction, Dr. Maples will conduct various diagnostic imaging tests to determine whether your tooth can be effectively saved with root canal therapy or other interventional dental treatment. Our office is equipped with state-of-the-art imaging tools, including a cone beam computed tomography scanner and all-digital X-rays. Dr. Maples uses these to view the extent of your damage and determine whether extraction is the only option.
An extraction may be the best choice for patients who have:
- A fracture that extends below the gum line into the tooth's roots
- Periodontal disease that has affected the bone and socket, loosening the tooth
- Decay that extends below the gum line and cannot be restored with a filling or dental crown
- Infection that is no longer treatable with root canal therapy or antibiotics
Additionally, extraction may be useful for patients with impacted wisdom teeth or patients undergoing orthodontic treatment who do not have enough room in their jaws to allow their teeth to move properly.
An extraction can help you gain relief from painful symptoms and reduce the risk of more serious oral health issues.
The Extraction Process
While patients undergoing an extraction prior to orthodontics can expect a slightly different process, a traditional tooth removal generally entails a few core steps.
Sedation
In addition to local anesthesia to numb the treatment area, Dr. Maples can provide oral conscious sedation to help you feel relaxed during the procedure. As the effects of oral conscious sedation medication can linger for several hours, you will need a friend or loved one to drive you home after your procedure.
Extraction
Dr. Maples will gently rock the affected tooth back and forth in its socket until it becomes loose and then remove the tooth from the socket. The process takes approximately 15 minutes for most patients.
Restoration
In many cases, Dr. Maples can place a dental implant on the same day of your extraction. Dental implants are titanium screws used to secure dental crowns to your jawbone. They can help your restoration look and function as well as a natural tooth and are considered the gold standard in restorative dentistry. If you are not eligible for same-day tooth replacement, Dr. Maples can design a custom treatment plan which suits your needs.
Our Patient-Centered Care Philosophy
Our team understands that an extraction can be a scary prospect. However, an extraction can also help you gain relief from painful symptoms, reduce the risk of more serious oral health issues, and help you enjoy your favorite foods once again.
We work with LendingClub® and offer discounts for patients who pay in full to help you access an extraction if you need one. We also offer several restorative options, including dental crowns and dental bridges, and can help you find a tooth replacement solution that works for your budget and long-term goals.
Call for a Consultation
In addition to his extensive continuing education and training, Dr. Maples is honest with his patients and will only recommend an extraction if it is in your best interests. At West Lake Dental, you are not just a mouth to treat, but a real person. We encourage you to share your concerns and discuss whether extraction is right for you during your consultation. Call us today at (970) 669-1444 or contact us online to learn more.
