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Extractions in Rutherford

From Wisdom Teeth Extractions to Simple Tooth

While dental extractions are not something every dental patient needs, they are a vital part of dentistry. Without tooth extractions, decay-causing bacteria can spread to surrounding teeth, potentially damaging and weakening them. In some instances, this bacterium can even spread to other body parts, negatively affecting whole-body health.

To care for your overall health, Dr. Lee Frost offers Rutherford dental extractions, including wisdom teeth extractions.

Wisdom Teeth Extractions

Third molars, commonly referred to as wisdom teeth, are usually the last four of 32 teeth to erupt (surface) in the mouth, generally making their appearance between the ages of 17 to 25. They are located at the back of the mouth (top and bottom), near the entrance to the throat.

Reasons For Extracting Wisdom Teeth

In most cases, inadequate space in the mouth does not allow the wisdom teeth to erupt properly and become fully functional. When this happens, the tooth can become impacted (stuck) in an undesirable or potentially harmful position. If left untreated, impacted wisdom teeth can contribute to infection, damage to other teeth, and possibly cysts or tumors.

1. Damage to nearby teeth

Second molars (the teeth directly in front of the wisdom teeth) can be adversely affected by impacted wisdom teeth, resulting in tooth decay (cavities), periodontal disease (gum disease) and possible bone loss.

2. Disease

Although uncommon, cysts and tumors can occur in the areas surrounding impacted wisdom teeth.

3. Infection

Bacteria and food can become trapped under the gum tissue, resulting in an infection. The infection can cause considerable pain and danger.

4. Tooth Crowding

It has been theorized that impacted wisdom teeth can put pressure on other teeth and cause them to become misaligned (crowded or twisted). This theory isn’t universally accepted by all dental professionals, and it has never been validated by any scientific studies.

While not all wisdom teeth require removal, they are most often performed because of an active problem such as pain, swelling, decay or infection, or as a preventative measure to avoid serious problems in the future.

Dr. Frost is happy to discuss your options to determine the best choice for you. Call (201) 438-8870 to schedule a visit and consultation.

The Extraction Process

How Are Tooth Extractions Planned? 

As a precaution, the dentist will first take X-rays of the tooth or teeth in question, to help plan the procedure. 

The X-rays can also expose additional risk factors, such as deterioration or decay of nearby teeth. Early evaluation and treatment (typically in the mid-teen years) is recommended in order to identify potential problems and to improve the results for patients requiring wisdom teeth extractions. Only after a thorough examination can your dentist provide you with the best options for your particular case.

Dr. Frost's Rutherford dental office is very modern and uses the latest technology to plan the safest and most comfortable dental extraction possible. This technology includes a digital X-ray machine that displays X-ray images onto a computer, where Dr. Frost can zoom in on the tooth's root and other areas to formulate the most conservative approach to your dental treatment.

The Extraction

After preparing a method of extraction, you will be given a local anesthetic that will prevent you from feeling pain during the procedure.  Tooth removal is a common procedure, generally performed under local anesthesia, intravenous (IV) sedation, or general anesthesia by a specially trained dentist in an office surgery suite.

Next, the dentist will use a tool called an elevator to lift the tooth and loosen ligaments and gum tissue around the base of the tooth.  Finally, the dentist will use a pair of forceps, to gently rock the tooth back and forth until it breaks free of the ligaments holding it in the gum tissue. 

Occasionally, a stubborn tooth will resist the dentist’s soft tug, refusing to come out.  In these and more complex cases, the tooth may need to be broken up into smaller pieces for removal. 

The surgery does not require an overnight stay, and you will be released with post-operative instructions and medication (if necessary), to help manage any swelling or discomfort.

Recovering After The Extraction

Once removed, we will pack gauze into the socket and have you place pressure on the area by biting down.  If necessary, the dentist will place stitches to close the socket.

Dr. Frost will provide you with post-procedure instructions for caring for your teeth after a tooth extraction. This care regimen typically includes taking pain-relieving medications.  You may also want to eat soft food diet after the procedure to be sure that gum tissue is allowed to heal. In a few days, any discomfort you may be experiencing should subside.

For more information about tooth extractions in Rutherford, contact Frost Dental Group to make an appointment.

Replacing Your Missing Tooth

If the dental extraction was unrelated to wisdom teeth or overcrowding, Dr. Frost offers a number of options for tooth replacement after an extraction from his Rutherford dental office. Once the gums have time to heal following the tooth removal procedure, Dr. Frost can use either a fixed dental bridge or a dental implant to restore your smile.

Reasons For An Extraction

There are numerous situations in which a simple extraction can help alleviate pain or prepare you for another cosmetic or restorative procedure. 

Dr. Frost may recommend dental extractions for any of the following reasons:

• Advanced periodontal disease that has loosened the tooth roots
• Extra teeth or baby teeth that impede adult teeth
• Preparing a patient for orthodontic treatment
• Removing a fractured or malformed tooth
• Severe tooth decay which cannot be remedied with root canal therapy

While Dr. Frost will take every measure possible to save a tooth, sometimes a dental extraction is the best option for protecting your overall health.

Schedule A Consultation

Dr. Frost has been offering quality dental care, including dental extractions, to the Rutherford area for nearly 30 years.

In 2008, he welcomed board-certified anesthesiologist Glen Atlas, M.D., who offers his services at Frost Dental Group. For patients who may experience any type of anxiety during an extraction, Dr. Atlas offers IV sedation to help these patients relax and feel more comfortable.

Call Us: 201-438-8870

Contact Our Rutherford Practice To Learn More

Please give our office a call if you have any questions or concerns about dental extractions.

In the event you are sick the week prior to your scheduled extraction or on the day of, please contact our office, as alternative arrangements may need to be made.  Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns.