Woman holding dental floss near her mouth against green background for dental care demonstration.

Tooth Removal: Understanding When It's Necessary

Sometimes removing a tooth is the best course of action for your oral health. Here at Dove Family Dentistry in Bennington, TN, we understand that tooth extraction can be a concern, so we strive to provide the information and care you need throughout the process.

We understand that dental anxiety is common. We are committed to providing comfortable care for all our patients, including those with dental phobia. We offer several options to help you relax during your tooth extraction procedure, including numbing medication, pain relievers and oral conscious sedation for patients with severe dental anxiety.

Reasons for Tooth Extraction

There are several reasons why a tooth may need to be extracted:
  • Impacted baby tooth: A baby tooth with misshapen or long roots may prevent the permanent tooth from erupting normally.
  • Severe decay: A tooth with extensive decay can threaten the health of surrounding teeth and jawbone.
  • Infection: An infected tooth can spread infection to other teeth and tissues.
  • Orthodontic correction: Tooth extraction may be necessary to create space for proper alignment of other teeth.
  • Wisdom tooth problems: Wisdom teeth can cause various problems, including overcrowding, infection, and pain.

The Tooth Extraction Procedure

A tooth extraction is typically performed by your dentist during a regular checkup or a separate appointment. The tooth is embedded in the jawbone socket by a ligament. To extract the tooth, your dentist will numb the area and carefully loosen and separate the tooth from the ligament.

We understand that tooth extraction can cause anxiety. Be sure to discuss any concerns you have with our dentists. We can provide sedation options to help you relax during the procedure.

Once a tooth is removed, neighboring teeth may shift and cause problems with chewing or jaw function. To prevent these complications, your dentist may recommend replacing the extracted tooth with a bridge or implant.

Oral Surgery

Oral and maxillofacial surgery is a dental specialty that focuses on the diagnosis, surgical treatment, and related care for a wide range of conditions affecting the mouth, teeth, jaws, face, head, and neck. Oral surgeons can provide treatment for:
  • Wisdom teeth problems
  • Facial pain
  • Misaligned jaws
  • Facial injuries
  • Tumors, cysts, and abnormalities of the jaws and face
  • Functional and aesthetic concerns of the face and jaw

Restoring Your Smile After Tooth Extraction

A gap left by a tooth extraction can cause surrounding teeth to shift and can also affect your confidence. Dove Family Dentistry offers several options to restore your smile and functionality after tooth extraction, including bridges, partial dentures, and dental implants. Our dentists will work with you to determine the best option for your individual needs.

New Patients & Emergency Appointments Welcome!

(901) 530-1037
Request Appointment