Dr. Ashley Izadi or Dr. Roham Rafat performs tooth extractions in our Cockeysville dental office. Wisdom tooth removal is one of our most common tooth extraction procedures. Other reasons for a tooth extraction might include crowded, broken, damaged, or decayed teeth.
Tooth pain can be among the most unbearable. Usually, the first thought is to remove the painful tooth. But often, it is in the patient’s best interest to preserve the natural tooth through root canal therapy or other treatments.
If you need a tooth extraction, it is important to consider replacement options for the missing tooth. The procedure is one of the general dental services we provide in Cockeysville and Hunt Valley, Maryland. After a tooth is removed, the bone begins to deteriorate. The remaining teeth can begin to migrate into the open area, leading to potential problems with bite fit and TMJ function.
Wisdom Teeth Extraction
To keep or not to keep… That is the question surrounding many patients with wisdom teeth. The conventional thought is that wisdom teeth should be extracted sometime in the late teens to early 20s.
This is when the wisdom teeth have started to emerge but have not yet completely formed, making them easier to extract. Many times, due to a lack of space or improper angulation, this is also when they start causing pain.
However, for many patients, wisdom teeth erupt and are well-aligned with enough space. So why are so many wisdom teeth still being extracted?
Dr. Izadi and Dr. Rafat agree with the new guidelines issued by the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, which state that healthy wisdom teeth need not be extracted simply because they are wisdom teeth.
The latest guidelines also underscore the importance of preventative care in monitoring the health and viability of retained wisdom teeth.
Because the wisdom teeth are located at the back of each jaw, they can be difficult to reach for proper cleaning. This can lead to decay and periodontal (gum) disease.
In some cases, the decay can be treated, and the gums can be adjusted to maintain these wisdom teeth in proper health and function. In other cases, however, patients do benefit from wisdom teeth extraction.
Some patients have painful impactions, decay, or gum issues that cannot be treated until the wisdom teeth are removed.
Dr. Izadi and Dr. Rafat customize each patient’s treatment plan to best fit their needs, including decisions about whether to keep or extract wisdom teeth. If you have any questions regarding your wisdom teeth, do not hesitate to contact us.
Baltimore Periodontist Roham Rafat, DDS, MS
Dr. Rafat of Valley Dental Health is a periodontist, specializing in implant dentistry and the replacement of missing teeth. He is one of the most qualified dentists in the Baltimore area for advanced restorative and cosmetic dentistry procedures.
Valley Dental Health is an all-in-one dental implant treatment center. This means our dentists will handle every phase of your treatment in our Cockeysville dental office.
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Tooth Extraction FAQs
What is a Dry Socket?
After a tooth is extracted, a blood clot will form to protect your gums as the hole heals. Sometimes the clot will dislodge, leading to a painful condition known as a dry socket. It can delay healing and should be avoided.
There are several things you can do to avoid a dry socket after a tooth is extracted, including avoiding straws, smoking, or sucking in general. Don’t vigorously brush near the extraction site, but maintain proper oral hygiene. You should also consume soft foods for a few days post-extraction.
Can I Choose a Tooth Extraction Instead of a Root Canal?
Your dentist will recommend saving the tooth if possible. While you can choose to extract the tooth, a root canal is actually better for your oral health. If the tooth is pulled, you will need to replace it, which can be expensive.
Many people fear root canal therapy because they assume it’s very painful. However, the pain is caused by the infection itself, and the root canal procedure will relieve it.
What is the Best Option for Tooth Replacement?
Dental implants are the best replacement option for an extracted tooth. It will replace the tooth at the root to avoid bone loss. It will also create a strong base for the new tooth. They have a high success rate of over 95% and offer the best quality of life for the patient.
Valley Dental Health is accepting new patients from Cockeysville, Jacksonville, Hunt Valley, Sparks, Lutherville, Phoenix, Timonium, and beyond. Request an appointment online or call us at 443-733-6613.