Reasons to Get a Tooth Extraction
There are many different reasons for a tooth extraction. Before having a tooth pulled at Safari Dentist, our dentist will conduct a thorough examination of your tooth and the surrounding affected area to decide if a tooth extraction is necessary. Some of the common reasons for a tooth extraction include:
Wisdom teeth - The most common reason for a tooth extraction, wisdom teeth are the very last molars on all four corners of the jaw line. Typically, these teeth become a problem because they are difficult to reach, therefore creating cavities. Also, they tend to grow out of line with the other teeth or grow too high and cause issues with chewing and talking.
Tooth decay - If a tooth suffers from extreme tooth decay due to severe cavities, it is best to have the tooth removed and replaced with a dental implant. At Safari Dental, we'll examine the tooth before determining if an extraction is necessary, in in order to possibly save the tooth. If there is a lot of pain in a specific tooth, there may be extreme tooth decay. However, this doesn't necessarily mean that the tooth should be removed. It may be possible that it can be saved with a root canal or a dental crown. Additionally, if you notice swelling and pressure from your wisdom teeth, this may be a sign that they should be removed.
Braces - Sometimes teeth are compacted or a tooth is severely out of position. Removing teeth for this reason may be necessary before the placement of braces to further help solve the problem.
Once a tooth has been extracted (unless it is a wisdom tooth), a gap should not be left behind. Such a space could cause a shift in the remaining teeth and potentially lead to even more problems.
Dr. Menser and his knowledgeable staff can inform you of the options available to you for replacement of a missing tooth. With more complicated extractions, Dr. Menser may refer you to a specialist to address the treatment.
If you are concerned about one or more of your teeth, or are curious about your available options for tooth replacement, contact our friendly staff to schedule a consultation.
Professional Teeth Cleaning and Periodontal Therapy
Common dental conditions like gum disease are preventable with proper oral hygiene. This can help you avoid infections, pain, swelling, and even tooth loss. As much as 80% of the adult population in the U.S. will develop some form of gum disease at some point in their lives.
When left untreated, chronic infections can destroy oral tissue, cause pain and swelling, and eventually result in tooth loss. Advanced gum disease, known as periodontitis, is the leading cause of tooth loss among adults as well as a major contributing factor to several systemic diseases including oral cancer. It can potentially even increase your risk for heart disease.
Oral hygiene is vital to dental and gum health. With early detection, thanks to regular dental cleanings and checkups, gum disease is easy to both treat and cure. At each appointment at Safari Dental, your hygienist will check for signs of gum disease, such as bleeding gums, heavy plaque bacteria accumulation, gum recession and inflammation, as well as tartar buildup.
Additionally, your hygienist will educate you on any home treatments necessary as well as the numerous home care options available.
When gum disease is found, Dr. Menser may recommend a deeper cleaning to remove tartar deposits above and below the gum line. Known as root scaling or planing, our hygienist uses specialized equipment to clean away the infection and irritants inflaming the gums.
Contact our friendly staff today to schedule a visit with our hygienist today to help ensure a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.
Excellent Tooth Whitening Services
Have you lost confidence in your smile because your teeth aren’t as white as you'd like? Utilizing both our ability to make custom form trays made specific to your teeth, and the latest in prescription-strength whitening gels, we can bring back that luster you seek for your smile.
Whitening also works as a fantastic follow-up to any of our orthodontic treatments to perfect your new smile. Additionally, thanks to today’s technology, we can bring you that smile with gels that desensitize as they whiten.
Contact Safari Dental today to schedule your consultation to see if professional whitening or any of our other cosmetic services are right for you.