Wichita dentist explains why patients might need oral surgery for tooth extraction

We all want to believe our permanent teeth will last our entire lives. In fact, one of the most important parts of dentistry is preserving natural teeth whenever possible. When we are young, losing a tooth is an exciting occurrence. Losing a tooth can affect day-to-day functionality as well as the appearance of our smile when we are adults. Dr. Koepsel makes every attempt to avoid oral surgery for tooth extraction, at the same time acknowledging there are situations when it is appropriate.

One of the most common reasons for tooth extraction is a tooth has become so damaged that there are no longer options for repair. Other reasons may include:

• Overcrowding – Teeth that are pushing up against each other can make orthodontic treatment difficult. It may also prevent other permanent teeth from coming in. If your teeth are too large for your mouth, one or more may need to be extracted to allow movement during the orthodontic treatment.
• Infection – When cavities are left untreated, the bacteria can gain access to the pulp chamber inside of the tooth. If this becomes infected, you may require root canal therapy to save the tooth. If the infection is left untreated, a root canal may no longer be a viable option, and the only way to keep the infection from spreading is extraction.
• Periodontal disease – In its earliest stage, gum disease can be treated and often reversed through improvements in cleaning techniques and oral hygiene. When left untreated, gum disease can progress and attack the bones and supportive structure of the teeth. When this happens, the gums may separate around the teeth, causing them to become loose and require extraction.

In rare cases, patients may also need oral surgery simply due to risk of infection. If a patient has a compromised immune system due to a medical issue, extraction may be used as a preventative measure.

Dr. Koepsel is a highly experienced and skilled. He is certified and trained in providing sedation dentistry for patients who need to undergo any surgical procedures. If you reside in the Wichita area, and you feel you may need oral surgery and would like to schedule a consultation, call our office today.